Modeling the Interaction of Urbanization and Surface Water Quality Environment

Abstract

Urbanization often causes environmental degradation and harms human health in developing countries. The study aims to develop a predictive model to investigate the interaction between urbanization and surface water quality. By using remote sensing image interpretation techniques, the dynamic of urban expansion in land use and land utility is qualitatively described. Spatial patterns of surface water quality are evaluated by using a Geographic Information System tool (ArcView [GIS 3.2, ESRI, Redlands, CA, USA]) based on field samples and laboratory measurements. Based on social welfare maximization theory, the urban expansion model is developed to simulate surface water environmental response to urbanization related to different socioeconomic situations. The model is applied as a case study in Xi'an, China, from 1996 to 2003. The simulated result indicates that Xi'an would delay the completion of its urbanization process until after 2021. The model is proved to be theoretically and practically valuable for environmental fate assessment to determine relationship between water pollutants and the environmental factors. In this context, the information presented here may be useful in environmental forensic investigations involving multiple sources and complex urban settings.