Study of Methods for Remediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Media Using Analytical Hierarchy Process

Heavy metal ions are among the pollutants in the environment especially the soil media, whose high concentrations pose any risks to human, plant and animal health . The aim of this research is the remediation of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni from contaminated soil using a hierarchical analysis process. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is a decisionmaking way, based on various criteria in order to achieve logical consequences, which has been accomplished via Expert Choice software.According to the studies, the cost, efficiency, process time and environmental requirements were identified as criteria in this study. Also, five methods of advanced oxidation, washing by agricultural residues, chlorination and thermal treatment, washing by PAA and EDTMP, ultrasonic and mechanical process were chosen as the alternatives. By implementation of analytical hierarchy process and pairwise comparison of criteria and alternatives, soil washing method by agricultural residues was selected as the mostappropriate method with ۳۵.۶% preference over other alternatives. Also, cost and efficiency criteria with ۵۵.۳% and ۲۱.۸% preferences were recognized as the most priority criteria for the removal of heavy metals from the soil media, respectively.