Lake water quality assessment using entropy-based interval number multi-attribute decision making method
基于熵权的区间型多属性决策方法在湖泊水质评价中的应用

The multi-attribute decision making method ignores the same utility for water quality indicator values in the same grade, leading to overcompensation on water quality indicators and distortions in comprehensive assessment of water quality. In this study, we transform a group of sequential or spatial indicator values into interval numbers in order to reduce data dimensions and retain sequential information. Afterwards, we define the distance between the indicator and acceptable grade intervals to reflect the degree of meeting standard requirements, and then employ the entropy method to assess significant indicators by examining consistency of average values in meeting the standards and convergence of variation. The proposed method reduces dimensions of decision matrices in the phases of indicator screening and measurement and simplifies calculation of the assessment process. The validity and feasibility of the proposed method are examined by assessment of Lake Taihu water quality data.