Modified VIKOR-GP approach by considering the Leopold Matrix for optimal water reuse allocation.

The global water resource crisis caused by population growth, and increasing water demand has led to using treated wastewater in many regions. Effective distribution of wastewater treatment across various consumer sectors is crucial for sustainable environmental practices and resource management. Wastewater Allocation (WA) is a multi-criteria decision-making problem, and this study used modified VIKOR (VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje) method in the combination with GP (Goal Programming) technique to optimize WA in Iran. The environmental effects were evaluated using Leopold Matrix results. The proposed approach resulted in an allocation of 6912 m3/day for urban green space irrigation 10,368 m3/day for the agricultural irrigation, and 2592 m3/day for industrial water demand at the Shahreza wastewater treatment plant. The research shows that better recommendations for resource allocation may be developed by combining quantitative assessment, optimization, and mathematical models. This approach has proven successful in maximizing the reuse of wastewater for a variety of uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]