| Authors | Mirzaei, M., Jafari, A., Gholamalifard, M., Azadi, H., Joorabian Shooshtari, S., Moghaddam, S.M., Gebrehiwot, K., Witlox, F. |
|---|---|
| Journal | Land Use Policy |
| Paper Type | Full Paper |
| Published At | 2020-06-15 |
| Journal Grade | ISI (WOS) |
| Journal Type | Electronic |
| Journal Country | United Kingdom |
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between rivers water quality (RWQ) and landscape metrics (LMs) is valuable for developing sustainable watershed management practices and pollution/environmental risk mitigation. To do so, the current study aimed to explore the relationship between RWQ and LMs by assessing 74 sub-basins within 2 million ha in Northern Iran. Principal component analyses were used to identify principal water quality parameters. Considering the effect of composition and configuration of the Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) on pollution loads, statistical models revealed that by increasing the mean of the Fractal Dimension Index of agricultural lands, the nitrate loads will increase. The results of this study can be especially used in the environmental impact/risk assessment of new industrial and residential applications. Also, the findings of the current study could provide a perfect source for calculations and choosing the best policy making decisions.