Inexact multi-attribute decision analysis of groundwater remediation strategies with inputs of interval data

Abstract

This study introduced an inexact interval-based multi-attribute decision analysis (IMADA) method with AHP for identifying the compromised groundwater remediation strategies in different periods. This IMADA method has the following advantages: (1) provides a systematic and quantitative analysis procedure for comparing potential pumping alternatives under four remediation duration; (2) reflects the priorities of the project based on the points of view of different decision makers; (3) compromises among possibly tangible and intangible attributes according to a final ranking of pumping alternatives. The method is applied to a contaminated aquifer located in southeastern China, where a period of remediation action should be taken. Ten influential attributes were considered and 50 alternative remediation strategies were generated. Results from the case study indicate that action 48 is the optical remediation strategy under 5-year period, action 5 in 10-year, action 33 during 15-year period and action 26 in 20-year.