An integrated approach using multi-source data for effective pollution risk monitoring of urban rivers: a case study of Hangzhou.

Abstract

With the rapid urbanization of cities, water pollution has emerged as a major challenge to their sustainable development. To tackle this problem, we developed a river pollution risk management system that integrates multi-source data and includes risk identification, early warning, and control. We applied this system to a case study of urban rivers in Hangzhou, China. The results indicated that the measured and effect values of urban river water quality in Hangzhou were 1.01 and 1.14, respectively, indicating mild pollution levels. NH3-N is the main risk factor, with poor supervision and land use being the main risk sources. River pollution risk in different drainage zones demonstrated stratification. Since 2012, the measured risk of water quality in Hangzhou has been decreasing, mainly concentrated in the built-up area; however, the effect risk has been increasing, especially in the new center and sub-center of the city. Based on these findings, three strategies for urban river pollution control are suggested: water ecology source rehabilitation, water environment process supervision, and water pollution end management. The results of this study extend the understanding of urban water environment risk and provide implications for sustainable urban planning.