Deploying a GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) Decision Rule for Site Selection of Desalination Plants

Water supply is one of the most critical infrastructures for development, and by desalinating the water of the Persian Gulf, water demands may be satisfied. The countries of the Persian Gulf basin have applied this technology and compensated for the country's water shortage, whereas because of Iran's unlimited access to water, desalination has only been applied on a local scale. Due to serious hydrological stress and periodic water shortages in Iran's southern coastal area, seawater desalination may be necessary as an optional solution for water supply. Site selection for desalination plants is difficult as it may have a direct influence on the territorial and water environment, as well as disrupt biological systems, hence, the objective of this study was to identify desalination sites across the coastline of Hormozgan. To choose a suitable site, a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) design was applied, with three scenarios evaluated in the constraints part and two scenarios considered in the criteria weight section. Altogether, out of 21 determination criteria considered for the construction of desalination facilities, 14 were associated to the inland and coastal segment, six with the marine zone, and one with the water quality phase. The results showed that about 33,584 ha in the optimal scenario, or when minimum and maximum constraints were applied, approximately 109,553 and 7182 ha, respectively, of the region, including a total of 11 zones, were suitable for the building of desalination facilities. In conclusion, this study was the first to consider MCE with many criteria and different scenarios for developing a decision rule for the installation of desalination facilities based on environmental and marine factors.

Automated summary

Water supply is a critical infrastructure for development, and desalination can help satisfy water demands. Iran has limited application of desalination due to unrestricted access to water, while countries in the Persian Gulf have successfully dealt with water shortages through desalination. This study focuses on the coastal area of Hormozgan in Iran, which faces serious water stress and periodic shortages. The objective is to identify suitable sites for desalination plants using a multi-criteria evaluation design, considering various scenarios and constraints. The results indicate that several zones in the region are suitable for the construction of desalination facilities.