reflects the impacts of landscape dissemination or dispersal on variables (Ding et al.
2016). The connectivity theme of landscapes is clearly noticeable in Bentong basin
with some separations in few areas. Most of the variables are negatively relatedto
these metrics, which may indicate that a more separated landscape can lead to a
worse water quality. ENNMN is normally applied to measure patch separation and
seclusion in an area. The high values of ENNMN in the different zones are probably
attributed to large proportion of one land use or cover with a small number of
different patches (Zhou et al. 2012).
Occasionally, landscape metrics can be used to characterize water quality in
certain water bodies. Land use or cover types have a measurable and definitive
impact on water quality by affecting the runoff composition and process. Following
rainfalls, the runoff conveys substances and pollutants from different lands into a
water system. These spatial patterns of the area exemplify the influence of land uses
on the water quality (Galbraith and Burns 2007).
2.7 Conclusion
Fresh water is a precious resource as it constitutes only 0.3% of total water resources
across the globe. Availability of water is subjected to natural influences and anthropogenic activities. However, anthropogenic influences on water quality have the
major impact on life. Undoubtedly changes in land use and land cover pattern lead to
a decline in river water quality. In any given area, selected landscape pattern metrics
that are correlated with river water characteristics may be used as indicators to assist
with the monitoring and management of river systems.
Furthermore, river monitoring and restoration practices must consider land use
and land cover patterns on multiple scales, ranging from buffer zones, catchments,
sub-watersheds to the entire watershed. Focusing only on smaller regions often leads
to a failure of river management. Future management plans must consider multiple
scales and landscape planning at the sub-watershed and watershed scales seems vital
in particular. The case study yielded relationships that enabled us to interpret and
describe the effects of multiple factors such as spatial and temporal changes and
landscape patterns on water variables. Understanding these relationships provides
information and valuable data regarding water quality conditions and helps to outline
suitable water management practices.
Moreover, in order to curtail or limit landscape effects on river water, urbaniza
tion must be restricted in and around the riparian areas of rivers. As this case study
demonstrated, urbanization is a key factor affecting the river water quality. Future
river restoration or management efforts should be focused to plan more sustainable
urban landscapes around rivers that control expansion of urban land, and minimize
pollution load. Additionally, river restoration entails interdisciplinary collaborations
and engagement with policy makers. In spite of the importance of natural environmental settings, anthropogenic factors play a dominant role in influencing the flow
and water quality of rivers everywhere. Consequently, this requires natural and
2 Landscape Perspective to River Pollution: A Case Study of Bentong River,. . .
35
2016). The connectivity theme of landscapes is clearly noticeable in Bentong basin
with some separations in few areas. Most of the variables are negatively relatedto
these metrics, which may indicate that a more separated landscape can lead to a
worse water quality. ENNMN is normally applied to measure patch separation and
seclusion in an area. The high values of ENNMN in the different zones are probably
attributed to large proportion of one land use or cover with a small number of
different patches (Zhou et al. 2012).
Occasionally, landscape metrics can be used to characterize water quality in
certain water bodies. Land use or cover types have a measurable and definitive
impact on water quality by affecting the runoff composition and process. Following
rainfalls, the runoff conveys substances and pollutants from different lands into a
water system. These spatial patterns of the area exemplify the influence of land uses
on the water quality (Galbraith and Burns 2007).
2.7 Conclusion
Fresh water is a precious resource as it constitutes only 0.3% of total water resources
across the globe. Availability of water is subjected to natural influences and anthropogenic activities. However, anthropogenic influences on water quality have the
major impact on life. Undoubtedly changes in land use and land cover pattern lead to
a decline in river water quality. In any given area, selected landscape pattern metrics
that are correlated with river water characteristics may be used as indicators to assist
with the monitoring and management of river systems.
Furthermore, river monitoring and restoration practices must consider land use
and land cover patterns on multiple scales, ranging from buffer zones, catchments,
sub-watersheds to the entire watershed. Focusing only on smaller regions often leads
to a failure of river management. Future management plans must consider multiple
scales and landscape planning at the sub-watershed and watershed scales seems vital
in particular. The case study yielded relationships that enabled us to interpret and
describe the effects of multiple factors such as spatial and temporal changes and
landscape patterns on water variables. Understanding these relationships provides
information and valuable data regarding water quality conditions and helps to outline
suitable water management practices.
Moreover, in order to curtail or limit landscape effects on river water, urbaniza
tion must be restricted in and around the riparian areas of rivers. As this case study
demonstrated, urbanization is a key factor affecting the river water quality. Future
river restoration or management efforts should be focused to plan more sustainable
urban landscapes around rivers that control expansion of urban land, and minimize
pollution load. Additionally, river restoration entails interdisciplinary collaborations
and engagement with policy makers. In spite of the importance of natural environmental settings, anthropogenic factors play a dominant role in influencing the flow
and water quality of rivers everywhere. Consequently, this requires natural and
2 Landscape Perspective to River Pollution: A Case Study of Bentong River,. . .
35