Weighted Decision Matrix for Groundwater Softening Technology Selection in Ethiopia

Eight borehole samples from Haramaya University in Ethiopia were analyzed for hardness-causing parameters. The dataset contains a weighted normalized decision matrix used with the TOPSIS method to select Reverse Osmosis as the ideal centralized softening technology. It was authored by Nagara Wakgari Futasa and last updated on June 2, 2026.

Use Cases

• Compare water softening technology alternatives based on treatment potential and feasibility criteria mentioned in the study.
• Apply the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision analysis method to a real-world environmental engineering problem.
• Analyze scaling and corrosion potential in groundwater using indices like LSI, AI, LS, and RSI calculated from the water samples.
• Replicate the technology selection process for other locations facing similar challenges with very hard groundwater.

Strengths

• Specific concentration ranges are provided for key ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, Cl-, SO42-).
• Analysis is based on eight distinct borehole samples, providing site-specific data.
• The methodology (TOPSIS) for technology selection is clearly stated.

Limitations

• The dataset is very small (5.5 KB), indicating limited scope and likely a summary matrix rather than raw sample data.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Nagara Wakgari Futasa.

Collection Method

Water samples from eight boreholes were analyzed; a decision matrix was constructed and evaluated using the TOPSIS method.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-02 17:30:10; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Haramaya University, Ethiopia.