title: Targeting priority management areas for multiple pollutants from non-point sources.
abstract: The control of multiple pollutants from non-point sources is very difficult because their loss potentials are not consistent on the same spatial distributions. In this research, an innovative approach was established for multiple-pollutant priority management areas (MP-PMAs). In the new framework, the MP-PMA approach focused on the sensitive areas that contributed a variety of pollutants instead of a specific targeted pollutant by integrating a watershed model and a Pareto-based multi-criteria evaluation approach. Based on the results, multiple levels of MP-PMAs were established with respect to the corresponding requirements of clean water statutes. Compared to traditional separate strategies, the MP-PMA approach would lead to more cost-effective watershed management because those moderate-level PMAs for specific targeted pollutant might be the high-level MP-PMAs. With respect to spatial distribution, the MP-PMA approach provided more accurate target results for the high-level PMAs, especially among the headwater areas. From a scientific view, the MP-PMA approach provides an integrated suggestion for the placement and removal potentials of best management practices at the watershed scale.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China. Electronic address: chenlei1982bnu@bnu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
authors.forename: Guoyuan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
authors.forename: Yucen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
authors.forename: Guobo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China. Electronic address: zyshen@bnu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Zhenyao
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Shen
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D045483:Rivers; D014873:Water Pollutants
chemical_list: D014873:Water Pollutants
keywords: Multi-criteria evaluation; Multiple pollutants; Non-point sources pollution; Priority management area; Watershed model