Coupling Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Clustering Algorithm for MSW Landfill Site Selection (Case Study: Lanzhou, China)

Abstract

The siting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills is a complex decision process. Existing siting methods utilize expert scores to determine criteria weights, however, they ignore the uncertainty of data and criterion weights and the efficacy of results. In this study, a coupled fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach was employed to site landfills in Lanzhou, a semi-arid valley basin city in China, to enhance the spatial decision-making process. Primarily, 21 criteria were identified in five groups through the Delphi method at 30 m resolution, then criteria weights were obtained by DEMATEL and ANP, and the optimal fuzzy membership function was determined for each evaluation criterion. Combined with GIS spatial analysis and the clustering algorithm, candidate sites that satisfied the landfill conditions were identified, and the spatial distribution characteristics were analyzed. These sites were subsequently ranked utilizing the MOORA, WASPAS, COPRAS, and TOPSIS methods to verify the reliability of the results by conducting sensitivity analysis. This study is different from the previous research that applied the MCDM approach in that fuzzy MCDM for weighting criteria is more reliable compared to the other common methods.

A historical review and analysis on MOORA and its fuzzy extensions for different applications

“…The fuzzy SWARA and CoCoSo methods were compared with VIKOR, ARAS, MOORA, and MABAC techniques, and finally, sensitivity analysis was performed for the robustness of the results. Liu et al [ 123 ] evaluated eleven landfill site locations, and their spatial distribution characteristics and compared five MCDM methods, i.e., DEMATEL, WASPAS, MOORA, COPRAS, and TOPSIS for ranking sites. At the same time, criteria weights were provided by the fuzzy ANP technique.…”

Study on anti-seepage mechanism of attapulgite-modified loess in Northwest China

“…There are five open landfills and five municipal landfills in the country. Due to backward technology, no impermeable layer and no exhaust gas are installed [2] . Pipelining and centralized leachate treatment facilities have not yet achieved true harmless treatment.…”

Geotechnical Evaluation of Loess Modifications as the Sustainable Compacted Soil Liner Material in Solid Waste Landfill

“…Lanzhou city, located in the loess plateau of northwest Gansu Province, China, is covered by a sizeable collapsible loess area [ 3 ]. The physical properties of loess are loose, and the pores between soil particles are large.…”