Wetland functional assessment and uncertainty analysis using fuzzy α-cut-based modified hydrogeomorphic approach

Wetlands are significant ecosystems which perform several functions such as ground water recharge, flood control, carbon sequestration, and pollution reduction. Accurate evaluation of wetland functions is challenging, due to uncertainty associated with variables such as vegetation, soil, hydrology, land use, and landscape. Uncertainty is due to the factors such as the cost of evaluating quality parameters, measurement, and human errors. This study proposes an innovative framework based on modified hydrogeomorphic approach (HGMA) using fuzzy alpha-cut technique. HGMA has been used for wetland functional assessment and alpha-cut technique is used to characterize uncertainty corresponding to the input variables and wetland functions. The most uncertain variables were found to be the density of wetlands and basin count in the landscape assessment area with the scores of 4.38% and 3.614% respectively. Among the functions, the highest uncertainty is found in functional capacity index (FCI) corresponding to water storage (1.697%) and retain particulate (1.577%). The quantified uncertainty can help the practitioners to make informed decisions regarding planning best management practices for preserving and restoring the wetland functionality.

Automated summary

Wetlands are important ecosystems that perform various functions such as groundwater recharge, flood control, carbon sequestration, and pollution reduction. Evaluating wetland functions accurately is challenging due to uncertainty associated with variables such as vegetation, soil, hydrology, land use, and landscape. This study proposes an innovative framework based on the modified hydrogeomorphic approach (HGMA) and fuzzy alpha-cut technique to address this uncertainty. The density of wetlands and basin count were found to be the most uncertain variables in the landscape assessment area, while the functional capacity index (FCI) for water storage and retain particulate had the highest uncertainty among the functions. Quantifying uncertainty can aid practitioners in making informed decisions for preserving and restoring wetland functionality.