Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Selection of Appropriate Target of Municipal Wastewater Reuse in Shiraz City
摘要
Water is one of the most essential factors for the development of human societies and the environment. In recent years, due to geographical factors, a reduction in atmospheric precipitation, urban development affecting the groundwater table, as well as indiscriminate extraction of groundwater, and population increase, the city of Shiraz has faced a severe shortage of water resources. In this research, firstly, the wastewater from the Shiraz treatment plant is examined in terms of standards and measured parameters. It is then compared and analyzed against the wastewater output standard. Based on these parameters and the opinions of experts in the field of environment, the options for its use are examined in an electronic questionnaire. They are then ranked in order of importance to prioritize the methods of reusing treated wastewater. The Shiraz water treatment plant has been investigated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with Expert Choice software. The agricultural option has been ranked the highest compared to the overall purpose, making it the first priority for the city of Shiraz in the decision-making process. The green space expansion, industry, tourism boom, and artificial aquifers recharge were identified as the next purposes, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that the MCDM method’s simplicity and adaptability to various situations and regions make it suitable for effective water management planning.