Decision support for allocation of watershed pollution load using grey fuzzy multiobjective programming

    Authors

    H. W. Chen;N. B. Chang

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Am. Water Resour. Assoc.

    Keywords

    water quality management; fuzzy sets theory; grey systems theory; optimization; multicriteria analysis; genetic algorithms; systems; analysis; WASTE MANAGEMENT-SYSTEMS; GENETIC ALGORITHMS; OPTIMIZATION APPROACH; MEMBERSHIP FUNCTIONS; RIVER-BASIN; UNCERTAINTY; MODEL; OPERATORS; Engineering, Environmental; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary; Water; Resources

    Abstract

    This paper uses the grey fuzzy multiobjective programming to aid in decision making for the allocation of waste load in a river system under versatile uncertainties and risks. It differs from previous studies by considering a multicriteria objective function with combined grey and fuzzy messages under a cost benefit analysis framework. Such analysis technically integrates the prior information of water quality models, water quality standards, wastewater treatment costs, and potential benefits gained via in-stream water quality improvement. While fuzzy sets are characterized based on semantic and cognitive vagueness in decision making, grey numbers can delineate measurement errors in data collection. By employing three distinct set theoretic fuzzy operators, the synergy of grey and fuzzy implications may smoothly characterize the prescribed management complexity. With the aid of genetic algorithm in the solution procedure, the modeling outputs contribute to the development of an effective waste load allocation and reduction scheme for tributaries in this subwatershed located in the lower Tseng-Wen River Basin, South Taiwan. Research findings indicate that the inclusion of three fuzzy set theoretic operators in decision analysis may delineate different tradeoffs in decision making due to varying changes, transformations, and movements of waste load in association with land use pattern within the watershed.

    Journal Title

    Journal of the American Water Resources Association

    Volume

    42

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    725

    Last Page

    745

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000238738300014

    ISSN

    1093-474X

    Share

    COinS