Assessment of the value of regional water conservation services based on SWAT model

Environ Monit Assess. 2022 Jul 4;194(8):559. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10247-w.

Abstract

The quantitative evaluation of water conservation in the Luoyang area can provide a basis for decision-making on regional water resources development and utilization, ecological environmental protection, and economic development planning. Based on the SWAT model and alternative engineering method, the water conservation and its service value in Luoyang region from 2009 to 2018 were assessed and the reasons for their spatial and temporal changes were analyzed. The results show that during the period of 2009-2018, the total water connotation and its service value reached the highest in 2014, with 16,927,100 m3 and 103 million yuan, respectively; the total water connotation and its service value reached the lowest in 2011, with 7,073,500 m3 and 43,224,000 yuan, respectively. Forest ecosystems have a strong water retention and storage capacity, and the highest water conservation and service value. Precipitation is the most important factor influencing water conservation and service value. The value of water-supporting services per unit area of ecosystem in Luoyang area is forest, grassland, arable land, and urban in descending order.

Keywords: Alternative engineering method; Luoyang area; SWAT model; Value of ecosystem services; Water conservation.

MeSH terms

  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Conservation of Water Resources*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Water

Substances

  • Water