标题：Framework to prioritize watersheds for diffuse pollution management in the Republic of Korea: application of multi-criteria analysis using the Delphi method
摘要：This study aimed to develop a risk-based approach fordetermining control areas to manage non-point source pollution, developing a framework to prioritize catchments by considering the characteristics ofpolluted runoff from non-point sources. The best management, decision-making,and scientific approaches, such as the technique for order of preference bysimilarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and the Delphi technique, are requiredfor the designation of control areas and the application of the bestmanagement practices to the control areas. Multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM) methods can handle the diversity and complexity of non-point sourcepollution. The Delphi technique was employed for selecting the assessmentcriteria/sub-criteria and determining their weights. Sub-criteria for eachcatchment unit were scored with either a quantitative or qualitative scale.All non-point pollution sources in mainland Republic of Korea were included,with the exception of a few islands, with catchment prioritization andpollution vulnerability evaluations shown as thematic maps. This studycontributes to the field by developing a new risk-based approach for rankingand prioritizing catchments; this provides valuable information for theMinistry of Environment to use to identify control areas and manage non-pointsource pollution.
