Mapping and assessment wetland ecological risk: A case on a peri-urban wetland of lower Gangatic plain, Eastern India

Abstract

Wetland ecosystems (WE) are considered the most valuable natural resources and highly productive ecosystems. However, 50% of the world's wetland disappeared due to urbanization and human disturbance in the last few years. This study aims to examine the wetland ecological risk (WER) modelling of a peri-urban wetland (Chatra wetland) in English Bazar Urban Agglomeration (EBUA) located in Eastern India using subjective (knowledge-based raster mapping or KBRM model) and objective (pressure-state-response or PSR model) approaches. A Multi-co-linearity test was performed to find out the association among the parameters. WER spatial clustering was assessed using spatial autocorrelation analysis. The Friedman Wilcoxon rank test was performed to determine the significant difference between the models. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was used to validate the models. From both the models, it was found that eastern and southern parts of the wetland were under high to very high-risk areas compared to central and western parts of the wetland. About 70% of the total wetland was under high to very high-risk areas. The cluster maps showed that eastern and southern parts of the wetland were high-high clustered of WER, and the north-west and central parts of the wetland were characterized by low-low clustered WER. Thus, the proposed models are capable of implementing spatial management of WE and ecological sustainability.