Application of TOPSIS Method in the Investigation of River Water Quality (Case Study: Aji Chai River)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• N. Jafari
• Y. Dinpashoh

Department of Water, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jsw.2023.84882.1344

Abstract

 Introduction
The study of surface water quality control in water resources and environment management programs is very important. Surface water is one of the most important water sources that have crucial impact on agricultural, industrial, drinking and electricity production activities. Due to insufficient water sources with good quality and the increase in population growth rate and as a result of the increase in demand, the study of water quality parameters is very important. The Water Quality Index (WQI) serves as a prominent indicator in classifying surface water quality. Moreover, in recent years, the TOPSIS method has gained traction for evaluating water quality. This approach, known for its simplicity, is increasingly utilized in prioritizing river water and assessing its quality. Through this index, various components of water quality are condensed into a single numerical value, effectively expressing overall water quality. To ascertain the weight index, Shannon's entropy method was employed. Furthermore, to assess water suitability for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes, Schuler, Wilcox, and Piper diagrams were utilized. These diagrams provide valuable insights into the quality of water, aiding in decision-making processes regarding its utilization across different sectors. Therefore, the results of this study also confirmed the effectiveness of the TOPSIS method in identifying contaminated stations.
Materials and Methods
This research focuses on evaluating the water quality of three stations within the Aji Chai river watershed on an annual basis. These stations are identified as Arzanag, Akhola, and Markid. The assessment spans the years 2003 to 2021 and aims to classify water quality for both drinking and agricultural purposes. Utilizing the standards set forth by the World Health Organization, the surface water quality index of the Aji Chai basin is investigated to ascertain its suitability for drinking purposes. Shannon's entropy theory was used to prevent expert judgments in determining the weight of each parameter. TOPSIS method was used to classify eleven qualities including TDS, EC, pH, HCO₃^-, Cl^-, , Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ , K⁺ and TH. In all the three stations water quality were ranked, based on TOPSIS numerical values. Also, in order to check the quality of drinking, agricultural and industrial water, Schuler, Wilcox and Piper diagrams were used.
 
Results and Discussion
The initial findings from the %RE error analysis revealed that throughout the entire statistical period (2003-2021), the %RE values were consistently close to zero, with the majority being positive. This suggests that the total number of cations surpasses the total number. In terms of the Shannon water quality index, the results indicate that Markid station exhibited the highest index value at 945.92, while Arzanag station displayed the lowest value at 127.365 among the surveyed stations. The results of the water quality index showed that Arzanag and Akhola stations are in an average condition (100 < EWQI < 150) and Markid station is in a very poor condition (EWQI > 200). According to Schuler's diagram, it was found that the water of Arzanag station is in the average level in terms of water quality, which is in a good position in terms of quality compared to the other two stations, while the water of Akhola station is in a good position. In the range of poor quality, Markid water was undrinkable, which ranked worst among the three stations. According to the Wilcox diagram, it was found that the water quality of Markid is very poor, which is even outside the boundary of the Wilcox diagram, while the water of Arzanag station was ranked 1st in terms of quality. Arzanag water is in C₄S₂ class in terms of quality. Finally, the water class of Akhola station was placed in the C₄S₄ class (in the Wilcox chart), which shows very low water quality. According to the TOPSIS method, the first priority in terms of water quality pollution belonged to Markid station. Two other stations, including Akhola and Arzanag, were ranked second and third in this respect. Therefore, the most important station in this basin is Markid station.
 
Conclusion
The results of Shannon water quality index showed that among the stations, the highest index value is related to Markid station with a value of 945.92 and the lowest one is related to Arzanag station with a value of 127.365. According to Schoeller diagram, it was found that the water quality of Arzanag station is average, compared to the other two stations, it was in the right place and the water of Akhola station was in the range of poor quality. The quality of Markid water was found to be undrinkable, which was the worst one among all the three stations. The range of TOPSIS values in different stations is between 0.054 and 0.894, which belonged to the Arzanag and Markid stations, respective ly. According to the results of the Arzanag station, the best water quality condition and the Markid station were assigned the worst water quality condition among all the three stations.
 

Keywords

• Entropy
• Piper
• Water quality index
• Water quality rating
• Wilcox

Main Subjects

• Irrigation

References

1. Alavi, N., Zaree, E., Hassani, M., Babaei, A.A., Goudarzi, G., Yari, A.R., & Mohammadi, M.J. (2016). Water quality assessment and zoning analysis of Dez eastern aquifer by Schuler and Wilcox diagrams and GIS. Desalination and Water Treatment, 57(50), 23686-23697. http://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2015.1137786
2. Amiri, V., Rezaei, M., & Sohrabi, N. (2014). Groundwater quality assessment using entropy weighted water quality index (EWQI) in Lenjanat, Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 72, 3479-3490. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3255-0
3. Aouiti, S., Hamzaoui Azaza, F., El Melki, F., Hamdi, M., Celico, F., & Zammouri, M. (2021). Groundwater quality assessment for different uses using various water quality indices in semi-arid region of central Tunisia. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28, 46669-46691.

4.Asadi, E., & Bayat, F. (2019). Evaluation of the quality of groundwater resources in Zanjan plain using EWQI and TOPSIS methods. Environmental Sciences, 17(1), 41-56. (In Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.29252/envs.17.1.41

5. Awasthi, A., Rishi, M.S., Khosla, A., & Panjgotra, S. (2023). Geographic information system-based groundwater quality assessment for drinking and irrigation purposes in transboundary aquifers of River Ravi, India. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(12), 34536-34552.
6. Azish, S., Asareh, A., & Khodadadi Dehkordi, D. (2019). Effect of drought on the water quality and quantity of Dez river. Iran-Water Resources Research, 15(2), 306-318. (In Persian with English abstract). https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.17352347.1398.15.2.23.2
7. 7. Behzadian, M., Otaghsara, S.K., Yazdani, M., & Ignatius, J. (2012). A state-of the-art survey of TOPSIS applications. Expert Systems with Applications, 39(17), 13051-13069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2012.05.056
8. Bhushan, M., Praveen, K., Kumar, K., & Roy, L.B. (2023). Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation purpose in Badua-Chandan sub-basin in Bihar-a case study. Annals of Forest Research, 66(1), 1871-1882.
9. Das, A. (2023 a). Identification of Surface Water Contamination Zones and its Sources on Mahanadi River, Odisha Using Entropy-Based WQI and MCDM Techniques. Engineering Research Transcripts, 4, 67-92. https://doi.org/10.55084/grinrey/ERT/978-81-964105-1-3_5
10. Das, A. (2023 b). Anthropogenic Effects on Surface Water Quality Assessment in Baitarani River Basin, Odisha Using GIS and MCDM Techniques. Engineering Research Transcripts, 5, 37-64. https://doi.org/10.55084/grinrey/ERT/978-81-964105-3-7_4
11. Derdour, A., Mahamat Ali, M. M., & Chabane Sari, S. M. (2020). Evaluation of the quality of groundwater for its appropriateness for drinking purposes in the watershed of Naâma, SW of Algeria, by using water quality index (WQI). SN Applied Sciences, 2(12), 1951.
12. Fallah M, Pirali Zefrehei A, Hedayati S. Evaluation of water quality of the Anzali international wetland using TOPSIS method. ijhe 2018; 11 (2) :225-236 (In Persian).
13. Fatima, S. U., Khan, M. A., Siddiqui, F., Mahmood, N., Salman, N., Alamgir, A., & Shaukat, S. S. (2022). Geospatial assessment of water quality using principal components analysis (PCA) and water quality index (WQI) in Basho Valley, Gilgit Baltistan (Northern Areas of Pakistan). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(3), 151. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-09845-5
14. Galik, A., Bąk, M., Bałandynowicz-Panfil, K., & Cirella, G. T. (2022). Evaluating labour market flexibility using the TOPSIS method: Sustainable Industrial Relations. Sustainability, 14(1), 526. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010526
15. Ghorbani Mooselu, M., Liltved, H., Nikoo, M.R., Hindar, A., & Meland, S. (2020). Assessing optimal water quality monitoring network in road construction using integrated information-theoretic techniques. Journal of Hydrology, 589, 125366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125366
16. Goudarzi, M.R., Abedi, M.J., Niknam, A.R.R., & Heydaripour, M. (2022). Groundwater quality status based on a modification of water quality index in an arid area, Iran. Water Supply, 22(7), 6245-6261. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15101876
17. Hwang, C.L., & Yoon, K. (1981). Methods for multiple attribute decision making. Multiple attribute decision making: methods and applications a state-of-the-art survey, 58-191.
18. Isazadeh, M., Fakheri Fard, A., & darbandi, S. (2023). Study of the development of greenhouse estates and its impact on groundwater levels of Ajichay Basin aquifers using SWAT model. Hydrogeology, 7(2), 15-29. (In Persian with English abestract). https://doi.org/10.22034/HYDRO.2023.13880
19. Jafari, N. (2019). Investigating the stability of Gamasiab basin using sustainability indicators with a multi-criteria decision-making approach. Master's thesis. Water group. Agriculture and Natural Resources Campus. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering. Razi University. (In Persian with English abstract)
20. Khan, M., Almazah, M.M., EIlahi, A., Niaz, R., Al-Rezami, A. Y., & Zaman, B. (2023). Spatial interpolation of water quality index based on Ordinary kriging and Universal kriging. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, 14(1), 2190853. https://doi.org/10.1080/19475705.2023.2190853
21. Li, P., Wu, J., & Qian, H. (2012). Groundwater quality assessment based on rough sets attribute reduction and TOPSIS method in a semi-arid area, China. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 184(8), 4841-4854. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2306-1
22. Manu, E., De Lucia, M., & Kühn, M. (2023). Hydrochemical characterization of surface water and groundwater in the crystalline basement aquifer system in the Pra Basin (Ghana). Water, 15(7), 1325. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071325
23. Mazaheri Kohanestani, Z., Ghorbani, R., & Fazel, A. (2013). Evaluation of water quality using TOPSIS method in the Zaringol Stream (Golestan Province, Iran). International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 1(5), 202-208. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijab.v1i5.148
24. Meshram, S. G., Alvandi, E., Meshram, C., Kahya, E., & Fadhil Al-Quraishi, A. M. (2020). Application of SAW and TOPSIS in prioritizing watersheds. Water Resources Management, 34, 715-732. 10.1007/s11269-019-02470-x
25. Mirbolooki, H., Razdar, B., & Mohafezatkar, M. (2021). Investigation of Gilan index dams' water quality using multivariate methods. Journal of environmental Research and Technology, 5(8), 25-35 (In Persian with English Abstract). https://doi.org/10.29252/.5.8.25
26. Ortega, R.G., Vázquez, M.L., Figueiredo, J.A.S., & Guijarro-Rodriguez, A. (2018). Sinos river basin social-environmental prospective assessment of water quality management using fuzzy cognitive maps and neutrosophic AHP-TOPSIS. Neutrosophic Sets and Systems, 23, 160-171.
27. Rouhani, H., Zaki, E., Kashani, M., & Fathabadil, A. (2015). Evaluatation of stability of supface water quality variation in Gorganrood river basin. Iranian Journal of Ecohydrology, 2(2), 129-140. (In Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22059/ije.2015.56143
28. Sanikhani, H., Dinpashoh, Y., Pour Yusef, S., Zamanzad Ghavidel, S., & Solati, B. (2014). The impacts of climate change on runoff in watersheds (Case study: Ajichay watershed in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran). Journal of Water and Soil (Agricultural Sciences and Technology), 27(6), 1225-1234. (In Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22067/jsw.v0i0.21513
29. Sarikhani, R., Ghassemi Dehnavi, A., Ahmadnejad, Z., & Kalantari, N. (2015). Hydrochemical characteristics and groundwater quality assessment in Bushehr Province, SW Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 74, 6265-6281. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4651-9
30. Shannon, C. (1988). A mathematical theory of communication, Bell System Technology Journal, 27, 379-423.
31. Singh, K.R., Dutta, R., Kalamdhad, A.S., & Kumar, B. (2022). Study of physicochemical parameters and wetland water quality assessment by using Shannon’s entropy. Applied Water Science, 12(11), 247. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-022-01759-4
32. Sippi, S., & Parmar, D. (2022). Water-quality-based ranking and benchmarking of rivers in india using a multicriteria decision-making technique. Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste, 26(2), 05021008.
33. Sohrabizadeh, Z., Sharifi Moghadam, E., & Hakimzadeh, M. A. (2018). Trend changes analysis of the water quality in the Talar river watershed using the Man-Kendall (MK) test. Natural Ecosystems of Iran, 9(3), 1-20. (In Persian with English abstract).
34. Srdjevic, B., Medeiros, Y.D.P., & Faria, A.S. (2004). An objective multi-criteria evaluation of water management scenarios. Water Resources Management, 18, 35-54.
35. Ukah, B.U., Ameh, P.D., Egbueri, J.C., Unigwe, C.O., & Ubido, O.E. (2020). Impact of effluent-derived heavy metals on the groundwater quality in Ajao industrial area, Nigeria: an assessment using entropy water quality index (EWQI). International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 4(3), 231-244. http://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-020-00058-5
36. WHO. (2011). Guidelines for drinking–water quality-4^th ed. Geneva World Health Organization. p 564.
37. Zamani Ahmad Mahmoudi, R., Fathi, A., Bayati, S., & Akbari, Z. (2023). Water quality assessment of rivers in Behesht Abad watershed using different methods (emphasis on irrigation). Journal of Environment and Transsectoral Development, 7(75), 29-39. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/jewe.2018.105969.1200
38. Zarei, H., Fathi, M.R., Karimi Zarchi, M., & Azizollahi, S. (2011). The application of fuzzy TOPSIS approach to personnel selection for Padir company: Iran, Journal of Management Research, 2, 3. https://dpo.org/10.5296/jmr.v3i2.663
39. Zhang, Q., Xu, P., & Qian, H. (2020). Groundwater quality assessment using improved water quality index (WQI) and human health risk (HHR) evaluation in a semi-arid region of northwest China. Exposure and Health, 12, 487-500. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12403-020-00345-w