Application of MCDM in Selection of Influential Water Quality Parameter in Location Selection of Hydropower Plant

The importance of hydro energy is also derived from its own source, which is water, an essential element of life. Therefore, from an ecological, economic, and sustainable development point of view, maintaining the quality of the water is of utmost importance. Water quality impacts dam operations, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and redoxsensitive metals. Seasonal variations in reservoir water quality also impact downstream conditions. Minimizing environmental impact and maintaining water parameters close to natural values is crucial for hydropower users. Supervising water quality is essential to prevent ecological degradation or implement necessary improvements. In these aspects the present study aims to identify the most influential water quality parameter in location selection of Hydropower plant. Two MCDM methods AHP and ANP has been applied to achieve the present objective. Nine parameters such as Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Phosphate (PO), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chloride, Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3 -N), Ammonia Nitrogen (NH4 -N), Potential of Hydrogen (pH) and Temperature (T) have been chosen among the various parameters based on literature review and expert opinion to determine which one will carry the most weights as per the MCDM methods. The findings imply that, among the parameters chosen, the DO has the greatest impact on location selection of Hydropower Plant among the other parameters selected.