Chapter 4 - Water Quality Evaluation

Abstract

As the water quality of rivers and lakes is central to human and economic development, the accurate evaluation and estimation of water quality levels has become essential. Water quality assessment is the foundation of environmental protection work and is an important part of water environmental supervision and management. It refers to water quality evaluation through physical, chemical, and biological indicators, based on water quality monitoring (WQM) data, according to certain evaluation standards and evaluation methods. In order to accurately reflect the current state of water quality, both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of water quality factors are needed, with the goal of understanding the degree of influence and the developmental trends of water pollution, in order to protect the water environment and provide a scientific basis for water resources planning management. The core of water quality evaluation is the selection of an evaluation method. The rationality of the evaluation method determines whether the result of the water quality evaluation is reliable. This chapter discusses the various methods of water quality evaluation used and compare them in terms of their suitability for this application. Methods examined are decision-making methods, index evaluation methods, and artificial intelligence evaluation methods. Several practical applications are also examined.