Abstract
Given the important role of lake ecosystems in social and economic development, and the current severe environmental degradation in China, a systematic diagnosis of the ecological security of lakes is essential for sustainable development. A Driving-force, Pressure, Status, Impact, and Risk (DPSIR) model, combined with data screening for lake ecological security assessment was developed to overcome the disadvantages of data selection in existing assessment methods. Correlation and principal component analysis were used to select independent and representative data. The DPSIR model was then applied to evaluate the ecological security of Dianchi Lake in China during 1988-2007 using an ecological security index. The results revealed a V-shaped trend. The application of the DPSIR model with data screening provided useful information regarding the status of the lake’s ecosystem, while ensuring information efficiency and eliminating multicollinearity. The modeling approach described here is practical and operationally efficient, and provides an attractive alternative approach to assess the ecological security of lakes.
Highlights
Many lakes and reservoirs in China have suffered severe eutrophication in recent decades
The first part of this paper presents a brief introduction of the Ecological Security Assessment for Lakes and Reservoirs (ESAL) assessment framework for Dianchi Lake, followed by a description of the indicator selection process
If a significant correlation is identified among indicators, multicollinearity may arise in the ecological assessment model, which would affect the accuracy of the ecological security index
Summary
Many lakes and reservoirs in China have suffered severe eutrophication in recent decades. The public and scientists have combined to appeal for a safer and healthier water-quality environment in lakes throughout China. This prompted the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China (MEP) to launch a nationwide project in 2008, the Ecological Security Assessment for Lakes and Reservoirs (ESAL). The indicators selected for index evaluation of lake and reservoir ecosystems are critical to the success of conservation programs. The first part of this paper presents a brief introduction of the ESAL assessment framework for Dianchi Lake, followed by a description of the indicator selection process. The second part demonstrates the merits of the proposed model for lake ecosystem assessment using a case study of its implementation in the Dianchi Lake watershed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
