A GIS-Based Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Evaluation of Suitable Locations for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Site Selection in Kirkuk
Received: 22 July 2025 | Revised: 15 August 2025, 20 August 2025, and 24 August 2025 | Accepted: 26 August 2025 | Online: 8 December 2025
Corresponding author: Marwan Kamaran Jalal
Abstract
A major environmental issue in Kirkuk city is the lack of a modern and efficient Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), resulting in untreated sewage being released into the Al-Khassa Stream. The aim of this research is to identify a suitable location for the WWTP in Kirkuk. The methodology involves using Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The parameters for selecting the best site were mapped using data from multiple sources. The weights for each factor were assigned using the AHP technique. Ten parameters were considered: (1) Elevations, (2) Wind direction, (3) Land uses, (4) Proximity to rivers and streams, (5) Distance from the city, (6) Groundwater level, (7) Proximity to agricultural lands, (8) Proximity to main roads, (9) Proximity to oil and gas pipelines, and (10) Proximity to valleys. The study area was divided into three zones based on their suitability for the treatment plant, using AHP: (1) Not suitable, approximately 312947433 m2; (2) Moderately suitable, approximately 291443392 m2; and (3) Highly suitable, approximately 754136244 m2. The AHP results show that the elevation, oil and gas pipelines, and distance to the city are the most influential factors, each with a weight of 10%–20%. Moderately important factors include the distance to rivers, agricultural lands, and land use, each at 10%. Less significant factors are the distance to main roads (3%), valleys (5%), groundwater level (5%), and wind direction and speed (5%). Ultimately, it was determined that the southwest areas are the best locations for the plant, as they are at lower elevations, which is beneficial from an economic and cost perspective, especially with future urban expansion. Additionally, the presence of agricultural lands allows for the use of treated water for irrigation.
Keywords:
GIS, AHP, optinal wastewater treatment, site selection, Kirkuk CityDownloads
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