Title: Interval-fuzzy possibilistic mixed integer linear programming for environmental management under uncertainty

Authors: Y.P. Li, G.H. Huang, P. Guo, S.L. Nie

Addresses: Research Academy of Energy and Environmental Studies, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China. ' Research Academy of Energy and Environmental Studies, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China; Environmental Systems Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada. ' College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China. ' College of Mechanical Engineering, and Applied Electronics Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100022, China

Abstract: This paper introduces an Interval-Fuzzy Possibilistic Programming (IFPP) method to handle uncertainties expressed as interval values and fuzzy sets. An interactive algorithm is advanced for solving the IFPP model, which does not lead to more complicated intermediate submodels and has a relatively low computational requirement. A municipal solid waste management problem is then studied to illustrate applicability of the proposed approach. The results indicate that reasonable solutions have been generated. They can facilitate the generation of multiple decision alternatives, as well as provide bases for in-depth analyses of tradeoffs among system cost, possibility degree, and constraint-violation risk.

Keywords: decision making; interval FPP; fuzzy possibilistic programming; interval analysis; optimisation; solid waste; uncertainty; environmental management; fuzzy sets; municipal waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2010.034229

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2010 Vol.42 No.1/2/3, pp.107 - 124

Published online: 30 Jul 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article