title: Integrating data-driven ecological models in an expert-based decision support system for water management in the Du river basin (Vietnam).
abstract: In this study, classification trees were combined with the Water Framework Directive (WFD)-Explorer, a modular toolbox that supports integrated water management in a river basin to evaluate the impact of different restoration measures on river ecology. First, the WFD-Explorer toolbox analysed the effect of different restoration options on the abiotic river characteristics based on the water and substance balance embedded in the simulation environment. Based on these abiotic characteristics, the biological index Biological Monitoring Working Party for Vietnam was then predicted by classification trees that were trained on biological and abiotic data collected in the Du river basin in northern Vietnam. The ecological status of streams in the basin ranged from nearly pristine headwaters to severely impacted river stretches. Elimination of point sources from ore extraction and decentralised domestic wastewater treatment proved to be the most effective measures to improve the ecological condition of the Du river basin. The combination of the WFD-Explorer results with data-driven models enabled model application in a situation where expert knowledge was lacking. Consequently, this approach appeared promising for decision support in the context of river restoration and conservation management.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, J. Plateaustraat 22, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Thu Huong
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Hoang
authors.forename: Ans
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mouton
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lock
authors.forename: Niels
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: De Pauw
authors.forename: Peter L M
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Goethals
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005103:Expert Systems; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry; D014744:Vietnam; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D014873:Water Pollutants