title: An innovative method for water resources carrying capacity research--Metabolic theory of regional water resources.
abstract: The shortage and uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water resources has seriously restricted the sustainable development of regional society and economy. In this study, a metabolic theory for regional water resources was proposed by introducing the biological metabolism concept into the carrying capacity of regional water resources. In the organic metabolic process of water resources, the socio-economic system consumes water resources, while products, services and pollutants, etc. are output. Furthermore, an evaluation index system which takes into the characteristics of the regional water resources, the socio-economic system and the sustainable development principle was established based on the proposed theory. The theory was then applied to a case study to prove its availability. Further, suggestions aiming at improving the regional water carrying capacity were given on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the current water resources situation.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 10083, China.
authors.forename: Chongfeng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.affiliation: Centre for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 10083, China. Electronic address: guop@cau.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Centre for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 10083, China.
authors.forename: Mo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Centre for Agricultural Water Research in China, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 10083, China.
authors.forename: Ruihuan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008660:Metabolism; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012106:Research; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000032:analysis; D062066:Water Resources
keywords: Evaluation index system; Regional water resources metabolism theory; Sustainable development; Water resources carrying capacity