An integrated hydro-ecological modeling approach applied to the Lake Bositeng Basin in China

In this study, an integrated hydro-ecological modeling approach is proposed for the application of water resources management in the Lake Bositeng Basin. The integration is based on dynamic water and salt balance analyses and an artificial neural network method for ecological modeling. The model can effectively reflect the effects of dynamic water and salt balances and their relationships with a number of ecological factors. Also, it can predict the yield of a large grass plant (reed) on a yearly basis with the dynamic characteristics of water/salt budget being quantified. The application of this approach to the Lake Bositeng Basin indicates that the water and salt balances have been appropriately simulated and reasonable results have been obtained. In addition, the research results have provided bases for sustainable water resources management in the Lake Bositeng Basin. The approach of coupling dynamic water- and salt-balance analysis with ecological modeling represents a new attempt that contributes to the area of water resources management. Further exploration based on the proposed approach could help to generate useful water resources allocation alternatives with quantified ecological effects for improving sustainability of the local economy.