• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.94-104
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• 2019

In this study, we investigated the spatial variation in land use and topographic effects on water quality at the Geum river watershed in South Korea, using the ordinary least squares(OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models. Understanding the complex interactions between land use, slope, elevation, and water quality is essential for water pollution control and watershed management. We monitored four water quality indicators -total phosphorus, total nitrogen, biochemical oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen levels - across three land use types (urban, agricultural, and forested) and two topographic features (elevation and mean slope). Results from GWR modeling revealed that land use and topography did not affect water quality consistently through space, but instead exhibited substantial spatial non-stationarity. The GWR model performed better than the OLS model as it produced a higher adjusted $R^2$ value. Spatial variation in interactions among variables could be visualized by mapping $R^2$ values from the GWR model at fine spatial resolution. Using the GWR model, we were able to identify local pollution sources, determine habitat status, and recommend appropriate land-use planning policies for watershed management.