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1- Sari Agricultural sciences and Natural Resources University
2- Babol Noshirvani University of Technology
3- China Academy of Science
Abstract:   (37 Views)
Introduction and Objective: Wetlands are considered highly important natural environments in global ecosystem systems. These biologically rich areas contain abundant biodiversity and are known as the "green lungs" of the Earth. Wetlands, as water-rich environments abundant in aquatic plants and aquatic mammals, are vital habitats in ecosystems. Shadegan Wetland is one of the most important natural resources in Iran, which holds great significance in conserving biodiversity and providing essential environmental habitats. However, it has faced drought in recent years. Watershed management and wetland conservation are crucial and necessary. Watersheds play a significant role in the supply and distribution of water resources, as well as in maintaining ecosystem balance and controlling floods and droughts. Furthermore, proper watershed management can lead to improved water quality and preservation of biodiversity in wetlands. Considering the importance of Shadegan Wetland as one of Iran's most vital natural resources, the management of its watershed is highly important and fundamental. Important measures in this regard include the construction of small dams and soil bunds for surface water storage, improved water resource management and reduced excessive consumption, and the cultivation of drought-resistant native plants. These actions not only contribute to the conservation and restoration of Shadegan Wetland but also improve the environmental conditions of the region and enhance the quality of life for local residents.
Material and Methods: In this research, the relationship between the changes in the area of Shadegan Wetland and the prevalence of dust storms was examined. For this purpose, MODIS satellite was used to monitor dust storm events and the wetland area (2010-2023), and Sentinel-2 satellite was used to assess the surface area of Shadegan Wetland (2017-2023) using NDWI and MNDWI indices. The correlation between the wetland surface area and dust storm events (Event-Dust) was investigated. Furthermore, using real data from the Shadegan station, the Air Quality Index (AQI) values for PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants were determined, and the number of days with unhealthy air quality (AQI greater than 100) was identified, examining its relationship with the monthly reduction in the surface area of Shadegan Wetland. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to examine the relationship between wetland extent and dust storms, and Kendall's Tau rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the reduction in wetland areas and the increase in dust storm events.
Results:The analysis of the NDWI index revealed that Shadegan Wetland reached its minimum extent in the years 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Similarly, the MNDWI index indicated that the smallest wetland area occurred in the years 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, with the western, southwestern, and southern parts of the wetland completely disappearing. The dust storm event map showed that more than 20 dust storm events occurred around Shadegan Wetland in different years. The correlation coefficients between dust storm events and the extent of Shadegan Wetland were found to be -0.90, indicating a significant negative correlation. Kendall's Tau rank correlation also demonstrated a significant increase in dust storm events with the reduction in wetland area. the results obtained from the data analysis indicate that the NDWI index exhibits a lower correlation with dust pollution data (PM2.5 and PM10) compared to the MNDWI index. The correlation between the number of unhealthy days per month regarding PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants and the NDWI index showed a significant relationship (P-Value = 0.0001), with correlation coefficients greater than -0.77 in most months. This indicates a high correlation between them, where the reduction in wetland area leads to an increase in the PM2.5 index. Furthermore, considering the correlation between the NDWI index and the number of polluted days per month for PM10 (Pearson correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination being 0.71), it can be concluded that the reduction in wetland area has a stronger impact on the increase in the PM2.5 index and is negatively associated with wetland areas. moreover, the results of the MNDWI index with the number of polluted days per month for PM2.5 and PM10 indices show that the correlation between the MNDWI index and PM2.5 is better than PM10, with a coefficient of determination (R2) indicating that 72% of the variations in the number of PM2.5 polluted days can be explained by the wetland area. In other words, the regression equation was able to account for about 72% of the variance in the number of polluted days. The Pearson correlation coefficient (-0.84) also indicates a strong inverse relationship between the number of PM2.5 polluted days and the MNDWI index, meaning that with an increase in wetland area (increase in the MNDWI index), the number of days with particles less than 2.5 microns in size decreases. therefore, the analysis results demonstrate that the number of PM2.5 polluted days is significantly influenced by the MNDWI index of Shadegan Wetland, and with the reduction in wetland area, PM2.5 dust pollution increases compared to PM10.
Conclusion: The results indicate that increasing the area of Shadegan Wetland may lead to a reduction in air pollution and the number of days polluted by PM2.5 and PM10. These findings emphasize the importance of conserving and restoring wetlands to reduce air pollution and improve the environmental conditions of the region. Increasing the area of Shadegan Wetland can potentially decrease the number of polluted days and improve the quality of life for residents in surrounding areas. Additionally, watershed management and the preservation of Shadegan Wetland are crucial. Watersheds play a vital role in water resource supply and distribution, maintaining ecosystem balance, controlling floods and droughts, and improving water quality. Furthermore, preserving wetlands as vital habitats for aquatic animals and plants is essential. 
 
     
Type of Study: Research | Subject: مديريت حوزه های آبخيز
Received: 2024/05/26 | Accepted: 2024/07/22

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