Soil science
E. Fathi; M. Ekhtesasi; A. Talebi; J. Mosaffaie
Abstract
IntroductionWatersheds, as diverse ecosystems, play a fundamental role in water provision, soil conservation, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability. In addition to delivering environmental services, these areas serve as vital resources for supporting the livelihoods and well-being of local communities. ...
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IntroductionWatersheds, as diverse ecosystems, play a fundamental role in water provision, soil conservation, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability. In addition to delivering environmental services, these areas serve as vital resources for supporting the livelihoods and well-being of local communities. However, population growth, climate change, land-use changes, and overexploitation have imposed significant pressures on these ecosystems, jeopardizing their health and natural functionality. The degradation of these areas can lead to serious consequences for water resources, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Therefore, identifying and implementing effective strategies to preserve and enhance watershed health is essential. In this regard, the present study utilizes the strategic SWOT model to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the Ilam Dam watershed and aims to propose practical solutions for improving and strengthening the health of these valuable ecosystems. Materials and MethodsTo achieve optimal strategies for resource management and improving the health of the study area, the SWOT analysis method was employed. This method provides a comprehensive framework for developing operational strategies by identifying existing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Data for this research were collected through field studies, specialized interviews with local experts, and a review of scientific resources and available information. To enhance accuracy and reliability in evaluating and weighting internal and external factors, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Expert Choice software were utilized. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed using the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices, leading to the formulation of appropriate strategies. These strategies were categorized into four main types: aggressive, conservative, competitive, and defensive. Finally, to ensure the selection of the best options, the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was applied. At this stage, each strategy was scored and prioritized based on its attractiveness and feasibility, ensuring the identification of the most effective and actionable strategies. Results and DiscussionAccording to the results of this study, seven factors were identified as strengths and seven as weaknesses (internal factors), along with seven opportunities and seven threats (external factors). The total score for strengths was 3.33, and for weaknesses, it was 3.57. Additionally, the score for opportunities was calculated at 3.54, while threats scored 3.28. Based on these scores and the internal and external factors evaluation matrix analysis, the WO strategy position was recommended, with specific solutions determined for each strategy. In the SO strategy, the QSPM matrix analysis indicated that optimal management of surface and groundwater resources, along with the establishment of suitable infrastructure for water capture and storage (strategy SO2), was recognized as the top priority. Within the ST strategy, the strategy of leveraging high organizational and local capacity to address the negative impacts of climate change and sustainably engage stakeholders and local communities in decision-making and watershed resource protection (strategy ST4) was prioritized. For the WO strategy, enhancing water and soil conservation programs and developing research and management initiatives through encouragement, support, and both material and spiritual contributions for specialized studies (strategy WO2) was identified as the main priority. Likewise, under the WT strategy, expanding and diversifying educational programs, developing educational content on water crises and climate change, and addressing the consequences of natural resource degradation in the basin, along with planning and approving national and international projects on climate change and dust storm mitigation (strategy WT1), emerged as the top priority. These strategies can provide an effective framework for improving resource management in watersheds and addressing environmental challenges. Conclusion The findings of this study clearly demonstrate that strengthening protective, managerial, and educational programs plays a crucial role in improving the health of this watershed. These strategies, by optimizing available opportunities and minimizing weaknesses, can significantly contribute to sustainable development and effective natural resource conservation. In particular, the implementation of these programs requires collaboration and synergy among the local community, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and related agencies. It is recommended that conservation and management planning be accompanied by education and awareness initiatives for the local community, so residents understand the importance of preserving natural resources and are encouraged to participate in conservation efforts. This active community involvement not only enhances the effectiveness of these strategies but also contributes to achieving desirable outcomes and ecosystem sustainability, setting the stage for more effective management and long-term conservation of water and soil resources.
R. Zamani-Ahmadmahmoodi; Ehsan Fathi; Samira Bayati; Pone Ghorbani-Dashtaki
Abstract
Introduction: Surface water, especially rivers, are the important sources for drinking water, agricultural and industrial uses. These reservoirs are easily affected by pollution and various activities. The vulnerability of surface water is greater than that the groundwater. Therefore, the importance ...
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Introduction: Surface water, especially rivers, are the important sources for drinking water, agricultural and industrial uses. These reservoirs are easily affected by pollution and various activities. The vulnerability of surface water is greater than that the groundwater. Therefore, the importance of water quality evaluation, especially for drinkable water, has increased due to the reduction in its quality and quantity in recent years. Optimal use and conservation of water resources in terms of quantity and quality are the principles of sustainable development of any country. Water quality indices are among the useful tools in water quality assessment and management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the water quality of the Beheshtabad River in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran by using the Liou Pollution Index and selecting the most important parameters based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
Materials and Methods: In this study, 7 water quality parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, and potential hydrogen were measured by standard methods along the river in 7 selected stations for 6 months (April to September 2016). Some of these parameters were measured at the sampling site and others in the laboratory. Then, the values of the Liou Pollution Index were calculated to evaluate the water quality of the Beheshtabad River in different stations. In this study, SPSS software was used to analyze the principal component. In the next step, the appropriateness of the statistical universe was assessed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the water quality was good during the study period at sampling stations\, according to the Liou Pollution Index. The value of Liou Pollution Index was in the slightly polluted class in March in station 4. Then, the average of Liou Pollution Index in the Beheshtabad River was compared to different rivers. The result showed that the average of Liou Pollution Index in the studied river is higher than rivers outside Iran. In addition, according to the statistical technique of PCA, two components were introduced as the main component. The first component expressed 57.26% of the total variance and included dissolved oxygen, ammonia nitrogen, biological oxygen demand, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids and potential hydrogen parameters. The second component, temperature, expressed 21.3% of the total variance. Furthermore, the result of comparing the measured quality parameters with the standard value of surface water showed that biological oxygen demand, electrical conductivity, and total suspended solids parameters in some stations were within the standard range and in some others were higher, which indicated a negative result. The best and worst water quality in terms of biological oxygen demand was observed in May and June, respectively. The electrical conductivity in April and May in all stations was within the standard range. However, electrical conductivity was higher than the standard level in June in stations 4 and 5, higher again in July and August in stations 4 to 7, and higher as well in September in stations 2 to 7. The fish farming workshops, industrial pollution and geological survey may be the reasons. The value of potential hydrogen in all of the stations was within the standard range of 6.5 to 9.5. The value of dissolved oxygen was high because of increasing rainfall and stream flows due to the snow melting.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the water quality in the Beheshtabad River did not change during the last 6 months (April to September 2016), and water quality was good. In addition, PCA plays an important role in prioritizing the importance of each parameter in the pollution. Therefore, PCA places more important parameters in the first component and less important parameters in the subsequent, respectively. On the other hand, the measurement of physicochemical parameters is important for the study of water quality. This research demonstrates the usefulness and efficiency of the multivariate statistical technique of PCA and the use of indicators for effective management of surface water quality. Therefore, using water resources in the future is possible, and does not endanger their management based on sustainable development.
