A DPSIR model for ecological security assessment through indicator screening: a case study at Dianchi Lake in China

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 10; no. 6; p. e0131732
• Main Authors: Wang, Zhen, Zhou, Jingqing, Loaiciga, Hugo, Guo, Huaicheng, Hong, Song
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 24.06.2015; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analysis; Aquatic ecosystems; Biomass; Case reports; Case studies; China; Computer security; Conservation of Natural Resources - methods; Correlation analysis; Cyanobacteria; Cybersecurity; Data processing; Databases, Factual; Ecological effects; Ecological risk assessment; Ecology - methods; Economic development; Ecosystem; Ecosystems; Environmental degradation; Environmental economics; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Environmental science; Eutrophication; Fishes; Human Activities; Lakes; Medical screening; Models, Theoretical; Population; Principal Component Analysis; Principal components analysis; Risk; Risk Assessment; Security; Security management; Sustainable development; Water quality; Water shortages; Watershed management; Watersheds; China; Santa Barbara California; California; United States > US
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131732

Given the important role of lake ecosystems in social and economic development, and the current severe environmental degradation in China, a systematic diagnosis of the ecological security of lakes is essential for sustainable development. A Driving-force, Pressure, Status, Impact, and Risk (DPSIR) model, combined with data screening for lake ecological security assessment was developed to overcome the disadvantages of data selection in existing assessment methods. Correlation and principal component analysis were used to select independent and representative data. The DPSIR model was then applied to evaluate the ecological security of Dianchi Lake in China during 1988-2007 using an ecological security index. The results revealed a V-shaped trend. The application of the DPSIR model with data screening provided useful information regarding the status of the lake's ecosystem, while ensuring information efficiency and eliminating multicollinearity. The modeling approach described here is practical and operationally efficient, and provides an attractive alternative approach to assess the ecological security of lakes.