An innovative weighted fuzzy soft set-based model for multi-criteria groundwater quality assessment in urban areas: A case study of Agartala, India
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Abstract
This study presents an innovative weighted fuzzy soft set-based multi-criteria decision-making model (B-model) for evaluating groundwater quality and identifying contamination sources in urban settings, with a case study in Agartala, Tripura, North-East India. Rapid urbanization and anthropogenic pressures have significantly impacted groundwater quality, demanding advanced methodologies for effective assessment and management. The proposed model incorporates ten critical groundwater quality parameters (GWQP—pH, electrical conductivity, iron concentration, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, and turbidity), transformed into fuzzy soft sets for comprehensive analysis. Groundwater samples were systematically collected from ten strategic locations across Agartala Municipal Corporation during three distinct seasons: pre-monsoon (March–May), monsoon (June–September), and post-monsoon (October–November) of 2023–2024. The analysis revealed seasonal variations in groundwater quality, with notable degradation during the pre-monsoon season due to reduced aquifer recharge and increased evaporation, while monsoon improvements were limited, primarily influenced by rainfall dilution. Specific areas consistently exhibited high pollution levels, highlighting localized contamination sources and elevated health risks. The model’s weighted pollution scores enabled precise identification of pollution sources, facilitating targeted intervention strategies. This research underscores the potential of fuzzy soft set-based approaches for robust groundwater quality assessment and emphasizes their integration into sustainable water management practices and urban planning to mitigate contamination risks in rapidly urbanizing regions like Agartala. Comparative analyses with existing methods validate and underscore the advantages of our approach.
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