Application of fuzzy logic and sensitivity analysis for soil contamination hazard classification

The present article is aimed at illustrating a methodology for a rapid and effective assessment of pollution hazard connected with the presence of uncontrolled landfills. In particular, by means of a fuzzy approach, the criterion adopted allowed a comparison of the results obtained from a cross analysis of some intrinsic characteristics of the single landfills and the territory where they are located. Their identification shows the most relevant environmental problem. Therefore, we have classified each site within a hazard scale enabling us to understand which one requires to be checked more urgently, to do instrumental surveys and, if needed, to do restoration and reclamation. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis we carried out allowed us to identify which is the best membership function belonging and which is the best defuzzification method. That is, in particular, the trapezoidal function and the centroid method. The proposed fuzzy approach, supported by the sensitivity analysis, has revealed to be an important tool for supporting decisions, in order to optimise technical and economic resources. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.