a hybrid fuzzy swara-vikor model for sustainable wastewater treatment technology selection in the steel industry

This study proposed an integrated decision-making framework that systematically incorporated specific industrial characteristics with fundamental sustainability considerations. the framework introduced a structured, analytical approach based on a dual methodology, combining swara (step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis) and vikor (višekriterijumsko kompromisno rangiranje) within a fuzzy logic framework. this integrated approach leveraged the strengths of each technique, offering a robust, multi-dimensional model to support precise and reliable decision-making in complex, sustainability-oriented contexts. the fuzzy swara method was used to determine the criteria and sub-criteria weights, followed by fuzzy vikor to rank decision alternatives. five wastewater treatment technologies for the steel industry were identified and prioritized based on sustainability principles. these included caspf (conventional activated sludge with mold flow), mbr (membrane bio-reactor), sbr (sequencing batch reactors), as (activated sludge), and uasb (up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket). the study demonstrated that this integrated approach yields more reliable and informed decisions in complex evaluations. findings revealed that experts largely favour sbr technology as the most sustainable option. this study proposed an integrated decision-making framework that systematically incorporated specific industrial characteristics with fundamental sustainability considerations. the framework introduced a structured, analytical approach based on a dual methodology, combining swara (step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis) and vikor (višekriterijumsko kompromisno rangiranje) within a fuzzy logic framework. this integrated approach leveraged the strengths of each technique, offering a robust, multi-dimensional model to support precise and reliable decision-making in complex, sustainability-oriented contexts. the fuzzy swara method was used to determine the criteria and sub-criteria weights, followed by fuzzy vikor to rank decision alternatives. five wastewater treatment technologies for the steel industry were identified and prioritized based on sustainability principles. these included caspf (conventional activated sludge with mold flow), mbr (membrane bio-reactor), sbr (sequencing batch reactors), as (activated sludge), and uasb (up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket). the study demonstrated that this integrated approach yields more reliable and informed decisions in complex evaluations. findings revealed that experts largely favour sbr technology as the most sustainable option.