Integration of GIS and Geomorphic Data to Assess the Impact of Landscape Features on River Water Quality

Abstract

Assessing the impact of landscape features on river water quality is essential for effective water organization. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) serve as valuable tools for integrating spatial data, while geomorphic characteristics offer critical insights into the hydrological processes that impact water quality. Traditional research has typically lacked a full grasp of the direct impact of certain land cover features on water quality in rivers, sometimes overlooking the complicated connections between geomorphological elements and water characteristics. As a result, this research intends to combine GIS and geomorphic data to assess the impact of landscape characteristics on river water quality. Water samples were obtained from numerous river locations, with essential characteristics, such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and temperature, to perform a thorough assessment of water quality. Geomorphic factors such as slope, elevation, and landscape pattern were also included in a GIS to spatially examine their connection to water quality indicators. The research used a comparison of water quality indicators from Low Geomorphic Relief Areas (LGRA) and High Geomorphic Relief Areas (HGRA) to investigate spatially changing correlations across areas. The findings show that water quality varies significantly between LGRA and HGRA, with landscape characteristics, such as elevation and landscape pattern, having a considerable influence on water quality indicators. This technique illustrates the efficiency of combining GIS and geomorphic data in managing and protecting river ecosystems.