Integrated ecological assessment of a river environment based on water quality criteria and pollution indicators analysis

Abstract

This study presents an integrated ecological assessment of water quality in the Southern Bug River basin, employing analyses of water quality criteria and pollution indicators. Through meticulous examination, the research identifies various factors pivotal to the river’s water quality. Key findings underscore the significant influence of physicochemical parameters on the river’s water resources. Two distinct water quality prediction models were developed: a traditional model and a hydrochemical regime-incorporating model. While the traditional model generally exhibits superior accuracy, the hydrochemical regime model demonstrates heightened precision, particularly in scenarios characterized by abrupt environmental changes. Although the hydrochemical regime model predicts with slightly lower accuracy (70-75%) compared to the raditional model, it excels during sudden anthropogenic alterations in water resources, achieving accuracy levels of 80-85%. These results underline the substantial impact of the hydrochemical regime on prediction accuracy and emphasize its crucial role in evaluating water quality. Moreover, the study addresses pollution prediction in the Southern Bug River environment, facilitating proactive responses to potential threats to aquatic ecosystems and public health. An integrated approach to water quality analysis, considering various factors and developing a spatial model of river flow, significantly enhances precision in identifying and understanding variations in water quality, which is imperative for effective water resource management. The insights gleaned from this research provide valuable information for policymakers, stakeholders, and environmental managers tasked with preserving and managing water resources sustainably. By shedding light on the complex dynamics of river basins, this study contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the development of strategies for safeguarding freshwater ecosystems.