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Can Entropy Weight Method Correctly Reflect the Distinction of Water Quality Indices?

Author

Listed:
  • Qian Bao

    (Bureau of Hydrology, Changjiang Water Resources Commission)

  • Zhu Yuxin

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Wang Yuxiao

    (Hohai University)

  • Yan Feng

    (Nanchang University)

Abstract

Entropy weight method (EWM) is a widely used weighting approach in water quality evaluation that assigns weights according to the discriminating degree of indicators. A higher discrete degree corresponds to a larger weight requirement, and vice versa. By using two water quality evaluation examples, this study proves that the weighting result of EWM cannot accurately reflect the information content and discriminability of indices in many conditions. For the EWM that uses the directly generating quotient (DGQ) in standardization, when the concentration dataset contains many zero values, the EWM results become prone to distortion. Similarly, for the EWM that utilizes the generating quotient after range pretreatment (GQARP) in standardization, when similar maximum values are present in the concentration dataset, the EWM results become prone to distortion. From the distortion weighting results of EWM, those indicators with high pollution degrees can be easily neglected, thereby leading to overoptimistic comprehensive water quality evaluation results. Although the source of distortion in the EWM results can be traced to the standardization and ranging processes, a solution to this problem is not yet available. In sum, the conventional EWM cannot correctly reflect the distinction of water quality indices; and it cannot be directly applied in water quality evaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian Bao & Zhu Yuxin & Wang Yuxiao & Yan Feng, 2020. "Can Entropy Weight Method Correctly Reflect the Distinction of Water Quality Indices?," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 34(11), pages 3667-3674, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:34:y:2020:i:11:d:10.1007_s11269-020-02641-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-020-02641-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuankun Wang & Dong Sheng & Dong Wang & Huiqun Ma & Jichun Wu & Feng Xu, 2014. "Variable Fuzzy Set Theory to Assess Water Quality of the Meiliang Bay in Taihu Lake Basin," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 28(3), pages 867-880, February.
    2. Yan Feng & Yi Fanghui & Chen Li, 2019. "Improved Entropy Weighting Model in Water Quality Evaluation," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 33(6), pages 2049-2056, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hongliang Tian & Liang Zhao & Sen Guo, 2023. "Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation of Power Grid Investment Considering Renewable Energy Development from the Perspective of Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-17, May.

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