Abstract
Urban rivers are valuable elements of urban ecosystems and play a key role in urban socio-economic development. Unfortunately, the functional integrity of urban rivers is being threatened by extensive human activities associated with the social development. Urban river health evaluation is important, as it may provide policy makers with information that is fundamental for river governance and the protection of urban ecosystems. To this purpose, we first constructed an urban river health assessment index system based on the pressure–state–response (PSR) framework. Secondly, we developed an urban river health index (uRHI) using the improved fuzzy matter–element extension assessment model. Finally, we used the uRHI to assess the health state of the Jialu River from 2008 to 2017 in Zhengzhou City, China. The results indicate that the health state of the Jialu River was improved from an unhealthy state in 2008 to a sub-healthy state in 2017. The pressure, state, and response subsystems developed towards a healthier state from 2008 to 2017, thanks to the implementation of a number of actions by the local government. However, the overall health status of the Jialu River is still relatively low. The Jialu River also faces several pressures, such as substantial Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) emissions and sewage discharge. This paper concludes that it is necessary to further strengthen the health management of the Jialu River and the protection of Zhengzhou’s water environment.
Highlights
As a major freshwater source, urban rivers play a critical role in supporting socio-economic development and human well-being because they provide water resources for industrial, agricultural, and domestic uses, as well for recreational activities such as fishing [1]
As one of the most powerful areas of interaction between humans and natural ecosystems, the health issues pertaining to urban rivers have attracted widespread attention from governments and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) [4,5,6]
Evaluations of urban river health can provide an effective method for diagnosing urban river health problems, with urban river health assessments gradually being applied to river protection
Summary
As a major freshwater source, urban rivers play a critical role in supporting socio-economic development and human well-being because they provide water resources for industrial, agricultural, and domestic uses, as well for recreational activities such as fishing [1]. In recent years, long-term urbanization and rapid industrialization have led to the deterioration of the water conditions of urban rivers [2]. The decline in the natural and economic functions of urban river ecosystems poses a serious threat to the health of urban rivers. As one of the most powerful areas of interaction between humans and natural ecosystems, the health issues pertaining to urban rivers have attracted widespread attention from governments and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) [4,5,6]. Evaluations of urban river health can provide an effective method for diagnosing urban river health problems, with urban river health assessments gradually being applied to river protection
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