Ecological assessment of vegetation dynamics of the Aik stream with reference to the Industrial Pollution in Sialkot, Pakistan

Abstract

The Aik-Stream area in Sialkot, Pakistan, confronts many environmental challenges from industrial activities and urban expansion. These challenges encompass water quality degradation, soil pollution, loss of plant biodiversity, and land use changes, necessitating urgent attention and comprehensive management strategies. This thesis thoroughly investigates these issues, employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates spatial analysis, machine learning, statistical modeling, ecological techniques, and remote sensing/GIS technologies. The overarching objective is to provide insights, solutions, and recommendations for sustainable environmental management in the Aik-Stream area. This research aims to assess the environmental health of the Aik-Stream area and develop strategies for mitigating pollution and fostering ecosystem restoration. Specific objectives include assessing water and soil quality to pinpoint pollution hotspots and understand contamination extents, investigating plant biodiversity and elucidating its correlation with environmental factors, evaluating the phytoremediation potential of pollution-tolerant plant species, and analyzing land use/land cover changes to gauge urban expansion impacts on ecological integrity. The methodology encompasses several key steps, starting with spatial analysis to categorize the stream into pollution severity zones and outlining areas of heightened contamination. Machine learning models, specifically Gradient Boosting (GB) and Random Forests (RF), predict the Water Quality Index (WQI) more effectively. Soil pollution is evaluated using a blend of techniques, including Self-Organizing Map (SOM), Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), to discern influential factors. Plant biodiversity is analyzed via statistical techniques such as General Linear Model (GLM), Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) to identify key species and their ecological preferences. Quantitative Ecological Techniques (QET) and physiological response analyses assess the phytoremediation potential of pollution-tolerant plant species. Remote sensing and GIS technologies track land use/land cover changes over time, uncovering urban expansion patterns and their ecological repercussions. The analysis uncovers significant exceedances of water quality parameters and heavy metals in soil, especially in industrial-influenced zones. Machine learning models exhibit precision in WQI prediction, promising enhanced water quality monitoring. Soil pollution assessments underscore heavy metal threats, predominantly from industrial and agricultural activities. Plant biodiversity analysis identifies vital species and their intricate relationship with environmental variables. Effective plant species for phytoremediation are identified, offering avenues for pollution control and ecosystem restoration. Land use/land cover change analysis reveals substantial urban expansion, necessitating informed urban planning to mitigate ecological degradation. The findings underscore the urgent need for effective pollution control policies, soil remediation strategies, and informed urban planning to combat environmental degradation and safeguard ecological integrity. Integrated approaches, blending scientific research, stakeholder engagement, and policy formulation, are imperative for achieving environmental sustainability in the Aik- Stream area and beyond. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights and methodologies to tackle environmental challenges in the Aik-Stream area. Sustainable management practices, informed by scientific research and stakeholder collaboration, are pivotal for pollution mitigation and ecosystem resilience. Concerted efforts are essential to implement recommended strategies, monitor their efficacy, and adapt management practices to evolving environmental dynamics. Future research should prioritize implementing recommended strategies, monitoring their effectiveness, and adapting management practices to evolving environmental conditions. Collaboration between stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers remains pivotal for attaining sustainable environmental management goals and ensuring long-term ecological health in the Aik-Stream area and similar regions worldwide.