Application of multi-criteria decision-making techniques to develop modify-leachate pollution index

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Quality Assessment
• Solid Waste Management

Background:

• Traditional methods for assessing landfill leachate pollution have limitations.
• Landfill leachate poses significant environmental risks.
• Effective tools are needed to evaluate pollution potential at landfill sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel modify-leachate pollution index (m-LPI) using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques.
• To assess the pollution potential of major landfill sites across India.
• To identify the most effective MCDM technique for developing the m-LPI.

Main Methods:

• Development of the m-LPI using MCDM techniques, including WASPAS.
• Expert opinion survey to determine weights for nine input criteria (pH, COD, TDS, Cl, Zn, Pb, Cu, annual rainfall, landfill age).
• Assessment of m-LPI for twenty major landfill sites in India.

Main Results:

• The weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) technique was identified as the most effective MCDM method for m-LPI development (R²=0.828, IA=0.813).
• Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh landfill site was ranked lowest (1.677) and Turbhe, Maharashtra landfill site highest (2.193) in pollution potential.
• Approximately 90% of the assessed landfill sites require leachate treatment, indicating a critical need for intervention.

Conclusions:

• The developed m-LPI, particularly using the WASPAS method, provides a robust tool for evaluating landfill leachate pollution.
• The study underscores the widespread need for leachate treatment across Indian landfill sites.
• m-LPI can aid researchers and scientists in addressing solid waste management challenges.