A multicriteria decision-making model for the selection of conventional/hybrid coagulants in water treatment.

The article focuses on applying a multicriteria decision-making model, specifically the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), to select conventional, organic, and hybrid coagulants for drinking water treatment. It evaluates coagulants based on technical (turbidity removal), environmental (sludge formation and biodegradability), economic (cost), and social (occupational safety) criteria, incorporating expert opinions and laboratory tests on nine coagulants. Results indicate that inorganic coagulants, particularly ferric chloride (FeCl3), are preferred for their superior turbidity removal and cost-effectiveness, while hybrid coagulants show environmental advantages but face limited adoption due to higher costs and lack of commercial availability. The study highlights the importance of balancing multiple criteria in coagulant selection and suggests that AHP is a useful tool for supporting decision-making in water treatment plants, though findings are context-specific and require adaptation to local conditions.