Application of TOPSIS for Selection and Assessment of Analytical Procedures for Ibuprofen Determination in Wastewater

This paper describes the possible implementation of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) as green analytical chemistry metrics tools. TOPSIS is one of the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tools that is applied in the selection of the best alternative from many possible. In this case we have applied it to assess the nineteen analytical procedures for ibuprofen determination in wastewater samples. They were described by the eight different criteria, such as metrological, economic and environmental ones. We applied the weights for each criterion that were obtained from experts knowledge. The results were discussed by the examples of six different scenarios derived by application of TOPSIS technique. Relative importance of criteria depends on subjective estimation of the decision maker and has a significant influence on the final result. TOPSIS is useful tool in assessment of green analytical chemistry metrics and ranking of the alternatives. It is very straightforward in use, it can be easily implemented in Excel program. The results are numerical values that make the results very simple to interpret and compare.