Assessment of sustainability index for rural water management using ANN

Abstract

The current study proposes a sustainability index (SI) measure based on artificial neural networks (ANN) and globally accepted parameters. Some of the available methods for SI measurement are multi-criteria analysis, external costs, energy analysis, and ecological footprint methods. However, validity remains a concern due to a system's needs, criteria, and requirements. Generally, sustainability is assessed in economic, environmental, and social issues, which varies across regions and countries. Most of the studies accept sub-indices but to a limited extent. Therefore, the proposed study develops an SI evaluation method based on the idea of multi-sustainability incorporating operations, institutions, risks, and climate factors besides economic, environmental, and social issues. All these issues might not be applicable to a single project but may help to develop a complete index when applied. The present study considered different scenarios in building a method to calculate SI using ANN. The results obtained by the ANN model for various input parameters helped to identify the best water conservation strategy. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to determine the uncertainty contribution/significance of the input variables for the water scarcity in the study region. The developed model in the study is tested on a rural water management system.

Criticality-Based Management of Facility Assets

“…A risk assessment model for infrastructure projects was developed by [38] using a BP-ANN algorithm. The sustainability index for water management was assessed with the utilization of an ANN [39]. A hybrid ANN was developed by [40] to evaluate the sustainability of construction projects.…”

Comparative Analysis of Water Sustainability Indices: A Systematic Review

“…Publications demonstrated that the "sustainability index" had diverse applications and contexts in which it was used. Some publications focused on water resource planning and management [50], water and wastewater management [57], the responsible use of water by companies [58], rural water management [59], offshore wind farms and aquaculture [60], integrated water resource management [61], and specific river watersheds [62]. Each publication focused on applying a sustainability index within its specific domain.…”

“…The publications aimed to evaluate and assess sustainability within their respective contexts. Some publications sought to extend or refine the definition of the sustainability indexes [50], evaluate the sustainability of specific sectors or practices [57,59,60], or assess the impacts of climate change on integrated water resource management [61]. The publications employed different methodologies to develop and assess the sustainability indexes.…”

“…Each publication emphasized specific considerations within its sustainability index. These considerations included factors such as water availability, quality, and conservation [50], resource efficiency and environmental impact [57], the responsible use of water by companies [58], equity and long-term viability in rural areas [59], environmental impacts and the economic viability of offshore sectors [60], climate change impacts on water resource management [61], and the sustainability of specific river watersheds [62]. In the case of the watershed sustainability index (WSI), we also found that different studies showcased variations in methodology and understanding.…”