Quantifying multi-dimensional services of water ecosystems and breakpoint-based spatial radiation of typical regulating services considering the hierarchical clustering-based classification

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2024-02, Vol.351, p.119852-119852, Article 119852
• Main Authors: Guan, Xinjian, Xu, Yingjun, Meng, Yu, Xu, Wenjing, Yan, Denghua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breakpoint theory; Emergy theory; Hierarchical clustering; Spatial autocorrelation; Spatiotemporal variation; Water ecosystem service
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119852

This study proposes a set of water ecosystem services (WES) research system, including classification, benefit quantification and spatial radiation effect, with the goal of promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, as well as providing a theoretical foundation for optimizing water resources management. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to categorize WES taking in to account the four nature constraints of product nature, energy flow relationships, circularity, and human social utility. A multi-dimensional benefit quantification methodology system for WES was constructed by combining the emergy theory with multidisciplinary methods of ecology, economics, and sociology. Based on the theories of spatial autocorrelation and breaking point, we investigated the spatial radiation effects of typical services in the cyclic regulation category. The proposed methodology has been applied to Luoyang, China. The results show that the Resource Provisioning (RP) and Cultural Addition (CA) services change greatly over time, and drive the overall WES to increase and then decrease. The spatial and temporal distribution of water resources is uneven, with WES being slightly better in the southern region than the northern region. Additionally, spatial radiation effects of typical regulating services are most prominent in S County. This finding suggests the establishment of scientific and rational intra-basin or inter-basin water management systems to expand the beneficial impacts of water-rich areas on neighboring regions. [Display omitted] •Classifying water ecosystem services (WES) by nature clustering.•A multi-dimensional benefit quantification method system of WES was proposed.•The spatial radiation impact of the circulation regulation service was analyzed.•Scientific basis for the harmony between man and nature was provided.