Work

A geospatial information-based framework for assessing water environment vulnerability

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the influence of basin morphometry and land cover characteristics on water quality (BOD, TOC, TN, and TP) across 195 sub-basins of the Nakdong River system and identified structurally vulnerable sub-basins requiring priority management. Local indicators of spatial association (LISA) were used to characterize spatial clustering of morphometric variables (Rslm, Dd, Cc, Sf, and Rh) and land cover types (Urban, Agriculture, Forest, and Grassland). Multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) quantified global and local effects and spatial heterogeneity in the relationships between water quality and basin characteristics. MGWR-fitted values were combined with LISA results to identify HighHigh (HH) clusters wherein elevated values coincided with strong local influences of key drivers. Basin morphology and land cover exhibited pronounced spatial clustering and produced distinct global and local controls for water quality indicators. BOD and TOC vulnerable sub-basins were concentrated in middle and lower reaches, where low drainage density (Dd), low relief ratio (Rh), and high Urban and Agriculture shares form mixed urbanagricultural settings with long pollutant residence times. TN responded to combined urbanagricultural land use and impervious surfaces, whereas TP vulnerability was highest in steep sub-basins with mixed ForestAgriculture land cover prone to erosion and particulate phosphorus delivery. These results demonstrate variation in water quality vulnerability with geographic setting and land-use composition, highlighting the limitations of uniform basin-wide management. The integrated MGWRLISA framework prioritizes sub-basins based on hydrological watershed characteristics and can be extended by incorporating soil, flow, and rainfall variables for basin-specific water quality management.

Source: Environmental Technology & Innovation

DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2026.104887

Authors: Seon Yeon Choi, Heon Gak Kwon

Institution: National Institute of Environmental Research

Language: English

Topic: Water Quality and Pollution Assessment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,930