Disposal Site Selection Research Articles

Spatial Evaluation of Waste Disposal Site Selection Using GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis: A Case Study of Dera Ghazi Khan District, Pakistan

The rapid population growth and rising per capita incomes have caused the city to generate massive amounts of municipal waste, indicating a serious environmental threat. Solid waste disposal has become a crucial problem for several municipalities. The selection of suitable waste disposal sites is a crucial problem in the urban areas of developing countries like Pakistan due to unsatisfactory urban planning and management to decrease human being’s health risks. Particularly, Dera Ghazi (D.G.) Khan district is facing the issue of identifying suitable sites for solid waste disposal. This research aims to select appropriate potential sites suitable for solid waste disposal purposes in the D.G. Khan. Primary datasets used for this study are Landsat-8 satellite imagery, digital elevation model (DEM) with 30-meter resolution for slope extraction. Other criteria included roads, railroads, and rivers digitized using the topographical map of the study area. The maps are prepared to incorporate overlay and suitability analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing techniques, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria analysis. The final suitability map of study area is prepared using a GIS software suite and categorized as highly, moderately, least, and unsuitable regions, of which 3% is entirely unsuitable area, 70% less suitable, 26.16% moderately suitable, and 0.84% highly suitable area. The suggested disposal sites have been carefully selected to assist policymakers in determining the most sensitive areas and resolving waste management issues with the slightest contamination of water bodies and the environment.

Identification of municipal solid waste disposal sites for sustainable solid waste management in Cooch Behar Municipality, West Bengal: A RS-GIS based MCDA approach

The proper disposal of solid waste represents one of the most intricate environmental challenges encountered by the municipalities of West Bengal. The municipality of Cooch Behar, a rapidly developing part of the Koch Bihar district of West Bengal, was selected as a case study. A health and environmental threat is created by the disposal of solid waste from the municipality area in an open place in Guriahati G.P., 6 km from the town and near the Torsa River. This study aimsto identify the most suitable areas for the disposal and dumping of municipal solid waste. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, the weights of the seventeen causative factors were allocated based on their relevance to identify the appropriate locations. The present study also introduces an innovative methodology employing GIS-based sensitivity analyses to enhance the optimisation of factors influencing suitable solid waste disposal site selection. Three possible waste disposal sites have been identified based on low land costs, the availability of barren land and the distance to settlements and sensitive places. The area under the ROC curve reveals that the AUC value is 0.895, which indicates that the level of accuracy of the model is 89.50 %. With a weight of 0.184, land value was found to be the most important criterion in the model, followed by distance to settlement (0.135) and distance to road (0.123). By carefully choosing suitable locations, this research could assist urban planners in developing a waste management system that is resilient and environmentally sustainable.

Feasibility of 129I groundwater dating calibrated by both 81Kr and 4He for the assessment of deep geological repositories in Japan

Iodine-129, which is a promising tracer for dating old groundwater, has been used as a tracer for deep upwelling groundwater. The nuclide is expected to be one of the key factors for site selection for high-level radioactive waste disposal, which is a global societal issue. The pre-anthropogenic 129I/127I ratio for marine iodine is (1.50 ± 0.15) × 10−12, which could be considered the initial value for 129I dating. This study identifies the challenges in groundwater age dating using 129I/127I. We measured the ratios of 129I/127I and 81Kr/Kr and concentration of 4He in groundwater from boreholes on the northern coast of Japan. The 129I dating results were not coincident with the other groundwater dating results. The iodine in the groundwater was inferred to be released in situ from marine organisms in sediments of various ages. We estimated that the primordial iodine ratio originating from seawater was ~ 1 × 10–13 (8 × 10–14 ~ 2 × 10–13). The groundwater age deduced from the 129I/127I ratio using this value agrees with other groundwater dating results.

Integrating fuzzy-AHP and GIS for solid waste disposal site selection in Kenitra province, NW Morocco.

Selecting an optimal solid waste disposal site is one of the decisive waste management issues because unsuitable sites cause serious environmental and public health problems. In Kenitra province, northwest Morocco, sustainable disposal sites have become a major challenge due to rapid urbanization and population growth. In addition, the existing disposal sites are traditional and inappropriate. The objective of this study is to suggest potential suitable disposal sites using fuzzy logic and analytical hierarchy process (fuzzy-AHP) method integrated with geographic information system (GIS) techniques. For this purpose, thirteen factors affecting the selection process were involved. The results showed that 5% of the studied area is considered extremely suitable and scattered in the central-eastern parts, while 9% is considered almost unsuitable and distributed in the northern and southern parts. Thereafter, these results were validated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC). The AUC found was 57.1%, which is a moderate prediction's accuracy because the existing sites used in the validation's process were randomly selected. These results can assist relevant authorities and stakeholders for setting new solid waste disposal sites in Kenitra province.

Site Selection of Medical Waste Disposal Facilities Using the Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Fuzzy EDAS Method: The Case Study of Istanbul

In recent years, as a result of the increasing demand for health services, medical waste (MW) generated from health facilities has increased significantly. Problems that threaten the environment and public health may arise as a result of inadequate medical waste management (MWM), especially in densely populated metropolitan areas. Therefore, it is very important that the disposal process of waste is carried out in a way that minimizes harm to human health and the environment. MW disposal site selection is among the most important decisions that local governments make. These decisions have many conflicting and similar criteria and alternatives. However, decision-makers may experience significant uncertainty when evaluating the alternatives. This study adopts the interval-valued neutrosophic (IVN) fuzzy EDAS method for the evaluation of MW disposal facility siting alternatives in Istanbul. This approach is used to evaluate potential sites based on a comprehensive, hierarchical criteria framework designed to address data uncertainty and inconsistency common in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) scenarios. Within the scope of the study, six main criteria (distance settlement area, social acceptance, costs, environmental impacts, infrastructure facilities, and disaster and emergency) and nineteen sub-criteria are meticulously analyzed. Considering the geographical location and dense urban texture of Istanbul, the study emphasizes the criteria related to distance to residential areas, logistics costs, and potential disaster risks. Among the identified criteria, land costs, topographical features, proximity to landfills, and distance to high-voltage lines are emphasized as the least important criteria. This study, which evaluated various alternatives, identified Pendik, located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, as the most suitable site for MW disposal due to its minimal risk. The study also compares the four main alternatives and highlights their relative strengths and weaknesses.

Optimal site selection for construction and demolition waste disposal using GIS-FAHP: a case study from Kafr El Sheikh City, Egypt.

The increasing number of building and demolition projects results in huge amounts of construction and demolition wastes (CDWs) that are illegally dumped. However, these wastes must be disposed of in appropriate legal sites to protect the environment and human health. After reviewing the literature, no prior research examined optimal site selection for dumping or recycling CDW in an Egyptian city. Furthermore, the absence of field surveys did not offer a holistic understanding of the specific criteria used in the model for this region, nor did it permit an assessment of the suitability of existing dumpsites, thereby revealing certain limitations in the final results. In this regard, this research aims to apply a multi-criteria geographic information system (GIS)-based framework to identify an optimal site for CDW disposal in Kafr El Sheikh City. The criteria affecting the site selection are identified and categorized from prior literature, which are further refined using field surveys and focus group to evaluate their applicability in the context of an Egyptian city. After conducting questionnaire surveys, the trapezoidal interval type II fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is applied to compute the weights of the identified criteria from the perspective of each group of experts. The entropy-based aggregation approach is employed to identify the compromise weights taking into account the preferences of different groups. GIS is a powerful tool for geoprocessing and analyzing spatial big data. The result is a scenario map for the optimal site locations with varying suitability scales (i.e., excellent, very good, good, average, poor, and very poor). The proposed methodology provides what-if scenarios based on a selected set of criteria. According to the results of the multi-criteria decision analysis models, the suitability varies based on the weights of the criteria. For the equal-weighted criteria model, the excellent category covers 5.96% of the study area, increasing to 6.48% for the weighted criteria model. These areas primarily lie in the northeast direction. Conversely, the majority of the study area, 41.80% under equal-weighted criteria and 32.39% under weighted criteria, falls within the average and poor suitability categories, respectively. In general, the most suitable areas are located on the outskirts of the city, and the suitability decreases near the central business district. To bridge the gap between research findings and practical applications, a land use analysis employing satellite imagery is conducted to pinpoint suitable locations for CDW disposal. Existing CDW dumpsites predominantly fall within the range of poor to very good for the equal-weighted criteria model, while the weighted criteria model categorizes them into the poor (16.66%) and average (83.33%) categories. The findings demonstrated the applicability of the proposed framework for CDW disposal management and planning.

"Feels Like an Indie Game"-Evaluation of a Virtual Field Trip Prototype on Radioactive Waste Management Research for University Education.

This article describes the design and evaluation of a virtual field trip on the topic of radioactive waste management research for university education. We created an interactive virtual tour through the Mont Terri underground research laboratory by enhancing the virtual experiment information system, designed for domain experts, with background information, illustrations, tasks, tests, and an improved user interface. To put the tour's content into context, a conventional introductory presentation on the final disposal of radioactive waste was added. A user study with 22 participants proved a good perceived usability of the virtual tour and the virtual field trip's ability to transfer knowledge. These results suggest a benefit of employing virtual field trips in geoscientific university courses. In addition, it is conceivable to use the virtual field trip as a tool for science communication in the context of participatory processes during nuclear waste disposal site selection processes.

Proportional picture fuzzy sets and their AHP extension: Application to waste disposal site selection

Picture fuzzy sets are an extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets preferable when indecision degree is another parameter to define a membership of an element to a set additional to membership and non-membership degrees. A problem with picture fuzzy sets or another extension is that requiring decimal numbers for membership, non-membership and indecision degrees of an element in picture fuzzy sets from the experts is not sufficiently applicable. Instead, requiring proportional relations between membership and non-membership degrees is more applicable than the former. Our methodology is to develop some proportion-based models for picture fuzzy sets including their arithmetic operations and aggregation operators. Proportional picture fuzzy (PPF) sets need only the proportional relations between the parameters of the picture fuzzy set. Their contribution is that these models will ease the use of picture fuzzy sets with more correct data better-representing experts’ judgments. Besides, vague definition of the proportions is incorporated into the PPF models. We also develop PPF AHP method and use it for the comparison of alternative waste disposal site alternatives. The application, sensitivity and comparative analyses result in that proportional picture fuzzy sets are easily applicable to any problem and produce valid outcomes.

Suitability Analysis for Waste Disposal Site Using GIS Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis: A Case Study of Jhapa District, Nepal

Environmental degradation resulting from rapid urbanization, industrialization, and overpopulation has become a critical global issue, primarily due to the generation of vast amounts of solid waste. Effective solid waste management and proper disposal arrangements are imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts on the environment. This research article focuses on identifying an appropriate waste disposal site for efficient waste management and dumping. Jhapa district in Nepal is chosen as the study area due to its diverse settlement zones, including industrial and commercial regions. To achieve this goal, Geographic Information based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method is used. The outcome of this project is a suitability model that categorizes different areas as least suitable, suitable, more suitable, and most suitable for establishing a waste disposal site. By considering multiple criteria, including environmental, health, residential and political factors, and the model provides a comprehensive assessment of potential sites. This research contributes to the field of waste management and environmental sustainability by offering a practical approach to decision-making in waste disposal site selection, promoting a healthier and cleaner environment for the residents of Jhapa district and beyond.

Mitigating uncertainty in the site selection process for a German deep geological repository through a risk-based and multi-criteria decision-making approach

Abstract. The site selection for final disposal of high-level radioactive waste is a complex process that requires careful considerations. In Germany, the site selection procedure for a deep geological repository occurs in multiple phases. Step one phase one involves the identification of 90 subareas of interest. In step two phase one, sub-regions are selected for surface exploration. Consequently, several dilemmas arise, such as the necessity to screen through a considerable number of subareas with large surfaces to select sub-regions that are most adequate for further investigation. The associated subsurface uncertainty and the high exploration and operational costs create an additional challenge when planning such a campaign. To address these challenges, we propose a method of sub-region prioritization that combines favourability indexes developed using host-rock and subarea-specific criteria with the probability of success and risk of failure estimates. This method considers not only geological factors but also the heterogeneous nature of subsurface data quality and quantity. This heterogeneity leads to uncertainties that may overshadow the advantages of specific sub-regions at the expense of others. The method focusses only on the geological barriers of the repository system: the containment providing the rock zone, the surrounding host rock, and the overburden. The geological barriers are dealt with as a multi-component, multi-physics system. For each component, a risk matrix is generated; consequently, a risk estimation and a classification are made. To estimate the risk of failure in selecting an adequate sub-region prior to exploration, we propose the following formula based on Aven and Krohn (2014), which is defined as follows: Risk=likelihood×consequence×knowledge. This formula evaluates risk based on three factors: the probability of a specific event occurring that may jeopardize the integrity of the geological barriers (likelihood), the potential impact of that event (consequence), and the level of understanding or uncertainty associated with that event (knowledge), which can influence the overall risk assessment. The method involves the identification and evaluation of subsurface risk factors using the multiple-criteria decision-making approach and the development of a risk matrix. The risk matrix is based on expert judgement and existing data to quantify the relative importance of each risk factor. The method is evaluated by applying it to one of the subareas designated by the German federal company for radioactive waste disposal for methodological developments. The developed approach provides a valuable tool for enabling stakeholders to consider a wide range of factors, including the level of uncertainty and lack of knowledge associated with subsurface risk factors, and make informed decisions during the site selection process.

Deep-future climate change scenarios for site selection of nuclear waste disposal in Germany

Abstract. Glacial cycles are primarily attributed to Earth's evolving orbital parameters, which change the amount of insolation received by the high latitudes in summer. Another significant aspect is how much of this solar energy is retained. Recent research (Ganopolski et al., 2016) has shown a connection between the maximum summer insolation at 65∘ N and CO2 concentration needed for glacial inception. As available fossil fuel reserves have the capacity to impact the climate hundreds of thousands of years into the future (Archer and Ganopolski, 2005), there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding when (and how) glacial cycles will resume under different emission scenarios. Using the newly developed Earth system model of intermediate complexity, CLIMBER-X (Willeit et al., 2022), in conjunction to a reduced complexity model of glacial cycles (Talento and Ganopolski, 2021), the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) will provide a set of deep-future climate change scenarios for Germany for the next 100 000 years (more detailed scenarios) and for the next 1 million years. These experiments will be evaluated in collaboration with other project partners and seek to quantify the degree of uncertainty in Earth's climate for the site selection planning of a deep geological repository. The tuning of CLIMBER-X to current glacial conditions is displayed with regards to paleoclimatic data. Variables in the climate, such as temperature, precipitation, and sea level, are showcased for different emission scenarios. Conditions of the European ice sheet complex during future glacial cycles are presented. We argue that these results should be considered when discussing processes which effect the safety of a nuclear waste repository, including subterranean stress, permafrost, groundwater changes, chemical reactions, erosion, and subrosion. A detailed analysis and sensitivity study of the model simulations will be performed to assess the overall uncertainty associated with the climate response due to different cumulative anthropogenic CO2 emissions and model parameters.

Applicability of multi-criteria decision analysis in the site selection procedure for high-level radioactive waste final disposal: robustness-oriented comparison of emplacement concepts

Abstract. The verbal and argumentative approach predominantly practiced in previous repository projects is only comprehensible to the general public to a limited extent (FKT, 2021; Blattman et al., 2023). One option to improve the transparency and the comprehensibility of decision-making processes is to supplement verbal and argumentative approaches with multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) (Geldermann and Lerche, 2014; Frieling et al., 2020; Blattman et al., 2023). In nuclear waste management, MCDA has been used sporadically with respect to disposal strategies and site selection procedures (Achillas et al., 2013; Frieling et al., 2020). For the German site selection procedure, Frieling et al. (2020) identified the potential suitability as well as the development and testing needs of MCDA. Collaborators of the Chair of Repository Safety at RWTH Aachen University are investigating the applicability of MCDA for specific decision problems in the German site selection procedure. One decision problem is the emplacement of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) packages, which is being researched in the context of a doctoral thesis. For this decision problem, influencing factors and interdependencies between decision criteria, for example operational and long-term safety, and between other decision processes in the site selection procedure need to be considered. In the research project presented here, the emplacement of radioactive waste packages is categorized into three concepts: (1) drift emplacement and (2) horizontal and (3) vertical borehole emplacement. All concepts are tracked internationally. In principle, the Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung (BGE) evaluates the three concepts as feasible. However, for the performance of the representative preliminary safety investigation (rvSU), the drift emplacement concept is preferred, which is verbally and argumentatively weighed in BGE (2022). In this present research, the applicability of MCDA to the decision of the emplacement concept with respect to the German site selection process is explored in four main iterative steps based on Belton and Stewart (2003): (1) decision problem definition, (2) problem structuring, (3) decision model creation, and (4) verification. Currently the decision problem is being structured. Preliminarily, testing of the applicability of the sequential MCDA methods Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) I and II is planned, although the method selection has not been finalized (Brans, 1982; Brans and de Smet, 2016). Furthermore, the combination of different MCDA methods will be elicited. The expected outcome of the research project is a basic decision model for robustness-based comparisons of disposal concepts of HLW. The decision model has the potential to provide decision support and to identify areas for further research regarding safety investigations as well as an increase in transparency, understanding, and acceptance in the site selection procedure. When MCDA methods are adequately applied by the decision maker, benefits are possible in terms of problem structuring, information processing, integration of qualitative and quantitative factors, deeper insights into relevant factors, and identification of compromises (Geldermann and Lerche, 2014; Frieling et al., 2020). Furthermore, the research results are particularly significant for international site selection procedures that are at the beginning of the selection procedure or at a comparable level in the German procedure.

GeoLaB – Geothermal Laboratory in the crystalline Basement: synergies with research for a nuclear waste repository

Abstract. Challenges for geosciences with societal relevance include the use of crystalline geothermal reservoirs for the energy transition as well as final disposal. Crystalline rocks, along with clay and salt, are being considered as host rocks in the ongoing search for a suitable site for a nuclear waste repository in Germany. Currently, there is no existing experience in terms of excavating a repository within crystalline rocks in Germany. In the case of geothermal energy, the greatest potential – as yet untapped – lies in the crystalline basement. New targeted, science-based strategies are the key to harness this energy under safe, sustainable, predictable, and efficient conditions. The research infrastructure GeoLaB (“Geothermal Laboratory in the crystalline Basement”) is the first underground laboratory to be built in Germany for many years and offers unique opportunities for the geoscientific community. In the following, GeoLaB will be described, and the synergies it offers for geothermal research and also for nuclear waste disposal will be elaborated. GeoLaB aims to scientifically address and overcome the key challenges of deep geothermal exploitation of fractured crystalline reservoirs. To reach these goals of (1) sustainable reservoir technology, (2) wellbore safety, and (3) productivity enhancement in deep crystalline reservoirs, GeoLaB is designed as an underground laboratory consisting of a main gallery starting at the surface, providing access to several subsurface openings. These are typically small caverns in which or from which the planned scientific experiments will be conducted and observed. The first phase of the project began in January 2023 and will primarily consist of an exploration campaign to identify and characterize a suitable site. The Black Forest and Odenwald are considered suitable locations for the planned underground laboratory related to specific scientific and technical criteria. Here, the rocks of the crystalline basement, which are an important geothermal reservoir in the Upper Rhine Graben, have been lifted up and are thus accessible for science. In the Upper Rhine Graben and Black Forest–Odenwald complex, a good database and a high level of expertise has been built-up over decades by science, the petroleum industry, and geothermal activities. The technical measures in the development phase until 2029 include intensive monitoring as well as underground mining development and the construction of a control and visitor center above ground. A digital twin of the GeoLaB, named “Virtual GeoLaB”, will accompany the development of the research infrastructure already during the construction phase and support the scientific investigations, including planning, analysis, and documentation, in the operation phase. It is used for visual analysis and data storage and will play an important role in communication with stakeholders, decision-makers, and the public. In its dialog and participation concept, GeoLaB focuses on transparency and offers citizens opportunities for active participation. It takes action in communication and knowledge transfer as well as education. GeoLaB will be developed as a blueprint for environmentally sound technology developments in the underground, and it will incorporate multiple research perspectives. With BGE (Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung) joining GeoLaB, the exploration and building phases, in particular, have become a mutual effort. From the perspective of safe nuclear waste disposal, several topics of the GeoLaB project are of interest even though the target rock characteristics differ to some extent. The collaboration starts with the planning phase for the underground laboratory. The geophysical exploration together with the required drilling, logging, testing, and monitoring of exploration wells is comparable – to a large extent – regardless of the purpose of the mine. Several topics with relevance to Germany's current nuclear waste disposal site selection process are part of the scientific work within GeoLaB, for instance the characterization and quantification of the subsurface stress regime. Furthermore, regulatory topics and outreach intersect greatly. Finally, the excavation of the mine is of utmost interest from the perspective of nuclear waste disposal. Recent experience of mining in Germany is rare, especially with respect to crystalline rocks.

Solid waste disposal site selection analysis using geospatial technology in Dessie city Ethiopia

Urban environments, especially metropolitan places like Dessie with a high population, result in an increased output of waste. Waste pickers have collected the solid waste from the main road and the immediate area for truck dumping in the river downstream to Kombolcha town, all of these waste materials were deposed, and open burned in the final destination. The best way to deal with this issue is to find a proper waste disposal location in the area as the aim of the paper. To be justified, although, a number of previous related studies have been conducted with their main focus on the physical parameter to identify landfill suitability sites. In this study, not only consider the physical parameters but, also socio-economic parameters were considered, and it is still crucial to generate site-specific information. As a result, by choosing acceptable waste disposal sites using geospatial technology, the study has been undertaken to address the issues of environmental deterioration and the spread of infectious illnesses that are caused by incorrect garbage dumping and open burning in the City. A mixed research design was employed for this research. Since all the data used were processed through the application of software and formulas to produce the result in the map and numerical values which needs a detailed narration. Land use, land cover, slope, drainage, places of worship, groundwater wells, schools, soil, urban core, and population were taken into consideration. These elements were examined in terms of their parametric compatibility. To create a study waste suitability map using geospatial technology, all of the parametric appropriateness was weighted in the overlay analysis according to their respective values, which were obtained from the analytical hierarchal process (AHP). The categories included unsuitable, less suitable, moderately suitable, suitable, and highly suitable. Approximately 71% of the research area was unsuitable for the disposal of solid waste, while the remaining 29% was suitable for the disposal of solid waste concerning drainage, the weighted suitability map shows unsuitable areas were 40.8%, less-suitable areas were 17.6%, moderately suitable areas were 10%, suitable areas were 13%, and highly suitable areas were 18.6%. Existing potentially appropriate and highly suited waste disposal sites were located away from built-up, urban centers, religious institutions, and schools where high population pressure to reduce the detrimental influence on the environment and human health. Therefore, the study results strongly suggested that the current waste treatment area should be avoided and planted in highly suitable and suitable areas.

GIS based MCDM for waste disposal site selection in Dejen town, Ethiopia

GIS based MCDM for waste disposal site selection in Dejen town, Ethiopia

Application Analysis on Past Cases of Radioactive Waste Disposal Site Selection based on Geo-electric and Electromagnetic Surveys

As nuclear power generation has been under operation for a long time, a deep geological repository of spent nuclear fuel, which is a high-level radioactive waste, has become an important issue for nuclear safety and environmental protection. Since improper site selection can lead to radionuclide leaks, which negatively affect the environment, appropriate sites should be selected by comprehensive consideration of various factors, such as the geological and hydrogeological setting. Electrical and electromagnetic surveys can be used to delineate the deep subsurface structure of a target area by detecting physical properties, such as electrical conductivity or resistivity. This paper briefly introduces the proper characteristics of environmentally safe deep disposal sites, identifies electrical and electronic surveys that can be applied in site selection, and analyzes overseas cases applied to the actual site selection process.

Composition and structure of marls from the Sumer Formation as an environment for geological disposal of radioactive waste

When selecting a site for the construction of a repository for high-level radioactive waste (HLW), the mineral composition of the geological environment is of primary importance. The content and type of the clay component and its structure have important implications for the insulating and sorption properties of the host rock and migration of radionuclides. In such previous studies in Bulgaria for site selection of the geological disposal of HLW the Lower Cretaceous marls (argillites) of the Sumer Formation (Western Pre-Balkans) were considered as ones of the prospective formations. This paper presents data about grain size distribution and mineral composition of the marls (argillites) at depths of 50 m and 400 m. A study was conducted on the structure of samples taken at a depth of 800 m from the Golyamo Pestene borehole. The obtained results are compared in order to clarify the homogeneity of the formation in depth. An increase in the clay fraction and the illite contained in it are observed in depth – from 22% at 18 m to 29% at 400 m, additionally, there is a slight increase in the carbonate content from 13.9% in samples up to 50 m to 26.9% on samples of 400 m. Data are presented on the volume, surface area, size and distribution of pores in the marls from 200 m depth (P-5 “Golyamo Peshtene”), which are necessary in assessing the migration of radionuclides from the repository. The majority of pores (82.4%) have a radius below 0,1 μm. A comparison is made of the mineral composition and structure of the argillites (marls) with similar clay rocks in Western Europe, where underground research laboratories have been constructed for in-situ study of the host rock.

Development of neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy exponential aggregation operators with application in environmental protection problems

The population growth and urbanization has caused an exponential increase in waste material. The proper disposal of waste is a challenging problem nowadays. The proper disposal site selection with typical sets and operators may not yield fruitful results. To handle such problems, the exponential aggregation operators based on neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy sets are proposed. For appropriate decisions in a decision-making problem, it is important to have a handy environment and aggregation operators. Many multi attribute decision making methods often ignore the uncertainty and hence yields the results which are not reliable. The neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy set can efficiently handle the complex information in a decision-making problem, as it combines the advantages of neutrosophic cubic set and hesitant fuzzy set. In this paper first we establish exponential operational laws in neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy sets, in which the exponents are neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy numbers and bases are positive real numbers. In order to use neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy sets in decision making, we are developing exponential aggregation operators and investigate their properties in the current study. In many multi expert decision-making methods there are different decision matrices but same weighting vector for attributes. The results of a multi expert decision-making problem becomes more reliable if every decision expert has its own decision matrix along with his own weighting vector for attributes. In this study, we are developing multi expert decision-making method that uses different weights for an attribute corresponding to different experts. At the end we present two applications of exponential aggregation operators in environmental protection multi attribute decision making problems.

Solid waste disposal site selection using geospatial information technologies and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP): a case study in Bandar Bushehr, Iran

Solid waste disposal site selection using geospatial information technologies and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP): a case study in Bandar Bushehr, Iran

Research on solid waste disposal site selection model based on Genetic algorithm

In the development of social and economic construction, the excessive shortage of resources and the serious pollution of ecological environment and other problems directly affect the basic goal of sustainable development. Especially after entering the development trend of economic globalization, although a variety of high-quality resources have been stored and developed, there is a serious waste of resources in the practice development, which cannot give full play to the application value of various resources. Therefore, scholars in various fields have strengthened their research on related topics. Urban solid waste not only affects the stability of the ecological environment, but also limits the application efficiency of various resources. Therefore, how to deal with urban solid waste scientifically and give full play to the application value of various resources in the recycling is the main problem of scientific research and discussion at present. In this paper, on the basis of understanding the research status of solid waste disposal, the use of genetic algorithm to build a solid waste disposal location model. The final experimental results show that the design model is feasible and the genetic algorithm can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of data calculation.