A Comprehensive Assessment of Water Resources Carrying Capacity in Anzali Wetland Using AHP-Entropy-CRITIC Combined Weighting Method and TOPSIS-GRA Model

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

2 Department of Water Engineering, College of Agriculture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Guilan.

3 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

Abstract

Urban wetlands are rapidly deteriorating due to urbanization and wastewater disposal, posing a threat to water quality and human livelihoods. Assessing the water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) of these wetlands is crucial to facilitate sustainable development and synergy between economic growth and water resource conservation. This study evaluated the WRCC of Anzali Wetland, located in the Fumanat region of Gilan Province, over a 10-year period (2011-2021). eight evaluation indicators were defined based on available data and information, considering three subsystems: water resources, economy, and environment. Each indicator was classified into four levels: I (loadable), II (weak), III (critical), and IV(Overload). The weight of each indicator was calculated using three methods: AHP, Entropy, and CRITIC. The weights obtained from the three methods were combined using the geometric mean. Subsequently, the annual values of each indicator, along with their corresponding weights and four evaluation levels, were applied to a model combining Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Finally, based on the annual WRCC results, the obstacle factors were identified. The WRCC assessment indicated that the wetland has been in a overloading condition (IV) since 2013. The water resources subsystem is in a critical or overloading condition, reducing the overall carrying capacity, while the economic subsystem contributes to this capacity. According to the obstacle degree model results, the four main factors affecting the WRCC include the quality of incoming water, the percentage of water supply required, the percentage of water supply for upstream areas, and the ratio of total available water to the population.

Keywords

Main Subjects

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

 

Introduction

Urban wetlands are facing severe threats due to urbanization and pollution from wastewater, which significantly impacts water quality and human livelihoods. Assessing Water Resources Carrying Capacity (WRCC) with a focus on balancing water supply for human needs and environmental preservation is crucial. Various approaches have been employed for this assessment, including comprehensive index modeling and complex systems analysis. These efforts help optimize water resource allocation and promote sustainable development, although challenges in data and precise modeling exist. Numerous studies have utilized diverse models for WRCC assessment, such as the "Pressure-State-Response" model, the "Socio-economic-ecological-water resources" model, and other region-specific models."

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the water resources carrying capacity of Anzali Wetland using a comprehensive indicator modeling approach. Evaluation indicators were defined based on the long-term conditions of Anzali Wetland, and the AHP, entropy, and CRITIC methods were employed to calculate the weights of these indicators. The combined weight was computed using the geometric mean method. Subsequently, considering the various approaches for WRCC assessment, a model combining the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods was utilized.

Methods

This study assesses the water resources carrying capacity of Anzali Wetland, which is under threat from urbanization. Initially, the influencing environmental factors were categorized into three subsystems: population, water resources, and socio-economic-environmental.: Indicators were defined for each subsystem, and their weights were determined using a combined AHP-Entropy-CRITIC method. Subsequently, the TOPSIS-GRA model was employed to calculate the water resources carrying capacity over a 10-year period. Finally, using an obstacle degree model, the critical factors influencing the improvement of the wetland's carrying capacity were identified, and recommendations for its enhancement were proposed.

Results

The results of the indicator weighting revealed significant differences in the weights obtained from various methods. The geometric mean can effectively reflect the importance of indicators from multiple perspectives. The results indicated that the highest weights were assigned to indices C8 and C7. The TOPSIS-GRA model results for assessing the WRCC of each year at different evaluation levels showed that the wetland was predominantly in a critical (IV) condition, particularly from 2013 onwards, while 2012 exhibited a better status. An examination of the three subsystems of water resources, economy, and ecology in assessing the status of Anzali Wetland's water resources indicated that the water resources subsystem was consistently in a critical or hypercritical condition throughout the period. Conversely, the economic subsystem was in a hypercritical condition in all years except 2012, and the ecological subsystem was in a similar state. Comparing the proximity degrees to evaluation levels in each subsystem revealed that the economic subsystem contributed to increasing the overall carrying capacity, whereas the water resources subsystem decreased it. The results of the obstacle degree model analysis of WRCC barriers demonstrated that the four primary factors influencing the current status of the wetland's water resources carrying capacity were the quality of water entering the Anzali Wetland, the percentage of water supply required for the wetland, the percentage of water supply demand for the upstream areas of Anzali Wetland, and the ratio of total available water to the population.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the obstacle degree analysis and the identification of the most significant factors affecting the WRCC of Anzali Wetland, it is recommended to take actions to improve the wetland's carrying capacity considering the region's specific conditions and culture. Whenever possible, it is advisable to implement these actions. For instance, measures could be planned in the wetland's upstream areas to improve the quality of incoming water and increase its volume.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Maedeh Keyvanfar and Somaye Janatrostami; methodology, Somaye Janatrostami and ; Maedeh Keyvanfar software, Maedeh Keyvanfar and Afshin Ashrafzadeh; validation, Somaye Janatrostami; formal analysis and investigation, Maedeh Keyvanfar, Somaye Janatrostami; resources, Maedeh Keyvanfar; data curation, Maedeh Keyvanfar and Afshin Ashrafzadeh; writing—original draft preparation, Maedeh Keyvanfar; writing—review and editing, Somaye Janatrostami; visualization, Somaye Janatrostami; supervision, Somaye Janatrostami; project administration, Somaye Janatrostami.

Data Availability Statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participants of the present study.

Ethical considerations

The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest. 

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research
Volume 56, Issue 1
April 2025
Pages 105-126

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