Author/Authors :
Sadeghi Yekta، Tahereh نويسنده Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran , , Khazaei، Mohammad Rasool نويسنده Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran , , Nabizadeh، Ramin نويسنده Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , , Mahvi، Amir Hossein نويسنده Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health; National Institute of Health Research; Center for Solid Waste Research, Institute fo , , Nasseri، Simin نويسنده 1Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , , Yari، Ahmad Reza نويسنده Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran ,
Abstract :
Hierarchical distance-based fuzzy multi-criteria group decision making was served as a tool to evaluate the drinking
water supply systems of Qom, a semi-arid city located in central part of Iran. A list of aspects consisting of 6 criteria
and 35 sub-criteria were evaluated based on a linguistic term set by five decision-makers. Four water supply
alternatives including “Public desalinated distribution system”, “PET Bottled Drinking Water”, “Private desalinated
water suppliers” and “Household desalinated water units” were assessed based on criteria and sub-criteria.
Data were aggregated and normalized to apply Performance Ratings of Alternatives. Also, the Performance Ratings
of Alternatives were aggregated again to achieve the Aggregate Performance Ratings. The weighted distances from
ideal solution and anti-ideal solution were calculated after secondary normalization. The proximity of each
alternative to the ideal solution was determined as the final step. The alternatives were ranked based on the
magnitude of ideal solutions.
Results showed that “Public desalinated distribution system” was the most appropriate alternative to supply the
drinking needs of Qom population. Also, “PET Bottled Drinking Water” was the second acceptable option. A novel
classification of alternatives to satisfy the drinking water requirements was proposed which is applicable for the
other cities located in semi-arid regions of Iran.
The health issues were considered as independent criterion, distinct from the environmental issues. The constraints
of high-tech alternatives were also considered regarding to the level of dependency on overseas.
