Selection of optimal aggregation function for the revised leachate pollution index (r-LPI).

Abstract

A tool to quantify the pollution potential of leachate, termed the revised leachate pollution index (r-LPI), has been developed. It was developed using the fuzzy Delphi analytic hierarchy process (FDAHP). The formulation entails four major steps: parameter selection, weight calculation, normalization of parameters, and aggregation of the parameters. Eleven leachate parameters categorized into three criteria were selected using the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM). The relative weights of the parameters and the criteria were computed using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), and rating curves were used for normalization of the parameters. The selection of an aggregation function is one of the most critical steps in the development of a composite indicator. In this study, the concept of r-LPI was briefly discussed and 14 different aggregation functions were examined to estimate the pollution potential of landfill leachate. Based on accountability and non-accountability of weights of the parameters, ambiguity, eclipsing, and constant functional behavior, 8 aggregation functions were eliminated. The remaining six aggregation functions were subjected to sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, information lost due to aggregation of parameters was quantified. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the weighted additive function effectively quantifies the pollution potential of landfill leachate and thus recommended for the r-LPI.