Multicriteria characterization of feasibility parameters, implementation of seawater intake selection along the Moroccan coastline

Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Ibn Tofail University, Faculty of Sciences, P.O. Box 133. 14 000, Kenitra, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: rim.elmasmodi@uit.ac.ma

Abstract

Determining the optimal seawater intake types and is influenced by factors including location, geology, ecology, costs, regulations, and stakeholder input. Employing multicriteria analysis, this approach systematically evaluates factors through objective scoring, ensuring a methodical decision-making methodology. This analysis focuses on crafting a decision support interface that meticulously coordinates a range of vital factors to assess the viability of seawater intake locations both offshore and onshore. These factors encompass geological, geographical, hydrological, and hydrogeological conditions, as well as topographic and bathymetric data, water capacity, demand, environmental constraints, technical specifications, economic impacts, and local requirements. The cornerstone of our multicriteria analysis approach is the methodical organization of the gathered data within a structured Excel database. Concurrently, an interactive VBA-based interface is designed to extract insights from this integrated database. Stakeholders can evaluate potential sites based on predefined criteria, customize outcomes, and engage interactively based on preferences. The interface adapts to user selections, expertly guiding them toward the optimal intake type. This process is governed by rules in the VBA code and carefully defined constraints, ultimately providing a precise intake type via a comprehensive elimination and ranking process.