title: A group decision-making tool for the application of membrane technologies in different water reuse scenarios.
abstract: A global challenge of increasing concern is diminishing fresh water resources. A growing practice in many communities to supplement diminishing fresh water availability has been the reuse of water. Novel methods of treating polluted waters, such as membrane assisted technologies, have recently been developed and successfully implemented in many places. Given the diversity of membrane assisted technologies available, the current challenge is how to select a reliable alternative among numerous technologies for appropriate water reuse. In this research, a fuzzy logic based multi-criteria, group decision making tool has been developed. This tool has been employed in the selection of appropriate membrane treatment technologies for several non-potable and potable reuse scenarios. Robust criteria, covering technical, environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects, were selected, while 10 different membrane assisted technologies were assessed in the tool. The results show this approach capable of facilitating systematic and rigorous analysis in the comparison and selection of membrane assisted technologies for advanced wastewater treatment and reuse.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental and Health Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Centre for Water Systems, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, North Park Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QF, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s.sadr@surrey.ac.uk.
authors.forename: S M K
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sadr
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental and Health Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: d.saroj@surrey.ac.uk.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Saroj
authors.affiliation: Nature Inspired Computing and Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s.kouchaki@surrey.ac.uk.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kouchaki
authors.affiliation: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, WITS. 2050, South Africa. Electronic address: adesola.Ilemobade@wits.ac.za.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ilemobade
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental and Health Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s.ouki@surrey.ac.uk.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Ouki
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005374:Filtration / Q000379:methods*; D017143:Fuzzy Logic; D006801:Humans; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D013672:Technology; D062065:Wastewater / Q000032:analysis*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D062065:Wastewater
keywords: Fuzzy set theory; Group decision making; Membrane technologies; Multi-criteria analysis; Water reuse