A framework of ecological sensitivity assessment for the groundwater system in the Mi River basin, Eastern China

Abstract

Abstract As a critical natural resource, groundwater plays an important role in the stability of the geological environment and the balance of the ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to delineate the ecological sensitivity of the groundwater system in the Mi River basin of Eastern China and to provide a basis for future decision-makers to regulate groundwater. First, based on the available information and the specific situation of the study area, the evaluation index system of groundwater ecological sensitivity was constructed by selecting the influencing factors from four levels: groundwater system structure, natural environment, water resources, and social development. Then, the weights were assigned by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy method, and the ecological sensitivity of the groundwater system was assessed by a geographical information system (GIS). The results showed that the ecologically moderately sensitive areas of the groundwater system, with an area of 1740.68 km2, accounting for 29.26% of the total, were mainly located in the plain areas of Linqu and Qingzhou and the coastal areas. The highly sensitive and extremely sensitive areas, accounting for 34.97%, were distributed in the midstream and downstream areas of the basin. The insensitive and mildly sensitive areas, with an area of 2127.96 km2, accounting for 35.77% of the total, were mainly located in the upstream areas of the basin. The results provide a basis for environmental protection in the Mi River basin and a reference for the protection and rational utilization of groundwater in the study area.