A decision framework for sustainable industrial water pollution control to protect marine environments

Abstract

Industrial water pollution significantly threatens marine environments, impacting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. This study develops a decision-making framework employing the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to prioritize sustainable water pollution control measures, considering their effectiveness, environmental impact, cost-efficiency, feasibility, and compliance. Four control methods—Membrane Filtration, Activated Carbon Filtration, Biological Treatment, and Chemical Precipitation—are assessed for their potential to mitigate industrial wastewater's adverse effects on marine ecosystems. Results reveal that membrane filtering emerges as the most sustainable option, with a closeness coefficient of 0.615, demonstrating high pollutant removal efficiency and low ecological footprint. Activated carbon filtration follows closely, while chemical precipitation scores are the weakest due to secondary waste challenges. This framework provides actionable insights for industries to adopt environmentally responsible practices, contributing to preserving marine ecosystems and aligning with global sustainability objectives.