The analytic hierarchy process method to design applicable decision making for the effective removal of 2-MIB and geosmin in water sources

Abstract Numerous utilities encounter issues with taste and odor that alter the public’s impression of the safety of drinking water. The creation of certain components in water naturally due to global climate change is another source of taste and odor components, in addition to industrial emissions. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), both of which are generated by blue-green algae and actinomycetes, are two substances that contribute to the musty and earthy smells in drinking water sources. Unfortunately, current conventional treatment plants only partially remove 2-MIB and geosmin. Therefore, to protect the environment and public health, more up-to-date or optimized treatment methods should be applied to outdated treatment facilities. Best treatment practices, evaluation standards, and decision-making approaches, however, are still shrouded in mystery. The goal of this study was to identify the most effective treatment options for 2-MIB and geosmin. By using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a total of 22 assessment criteria were found and prioritized. A thorough literature search led to the identification of potential treatment options, and their effectiveness was evaluated. These options and priority rankings were decided upon using AHP in the decision-making process. Advanced oxidation techniques came out on top in the final priority ranking, followed by membrane filtering, adsorption, oxidation, hybrid processes, and traditional treatment methods. The applied analytical decision techniques may also be used to choose the optimal treatment options, even though the results are particular to 2-MIB and geosmin.