An empirical research on the relationship between water quality, climate change and economic development in Jiulong River Watershed

Abstract

Climate change and economy development are key factors affecting the future of water quality in urbanized catchments. Under the dual influences of climate change and human activities, water environment problems become prominently, especially in coastal watershed of higher urbanization, concentrated populations. Thus, this study focuses on the relationships between economic growth, climate change and water quality in the Jiulong River Watershed (JRW). The results showed that inorganic nitrogen and phosphate nutrient increased significantly, and the river basin showed a trend of warm and humidification. The wind speed and sunshine duration decreased significantly. The results of principal component analysis showed that economic development play a leading role in the evolution of estuary water environment, and the influence of climate change cannot be ignored. Economic growth and climate change contribute to the deterioration of water quality. Water resource shortages and water pollutions are the big challenges for water resources management. This study will be conductive to the water environmental pollution control and management.