Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • The overall river health score for the lower Yellow River in Henan was 83.4 out of 100, corresponding to a 'healthy' grade, indicating generally good ecosystem status and service functions. • • The biological criteria layer scored only 62.1, the lowest among the four layers, highlighting critically low aquatic biodiversity as a primary ecological deficiency. • • The 'basin' and social service function layers scored 73.7 and 95.5, respectively, revealing moderate shoreline stability and high but stressed water supply capacity. • • The 'water' layer scored 95.0, indicating excellent water quality and hydrological conditions, yet water supply security remains under pressure due to demand and management issues.
Abstract
River and lake health assessment is an important technical means to evaluate the health status of rivers and lakes, scientifically analyze river and lake problems, and strengthen the implementation of the river and lake head system. Based on the Guidelines for River and Lake Health Assessment (Trial) and the characteristics and actual basin conditions of the lower Yellow River in Henan, this study determined the river health evaluation index system for this reach. Through collection of basic data and special investigations and monitoring, the health status in 2020 was evaluated from four criteria layers: 'basin', 'water', biology, and social service function. The overall score was 83.4, corresponding to a 'healthy' grade. The four criteria layer scores were 73.7, 95.0, 62.1, and 95.5, respectively. The evaluation identified main problems including low aquatic biodiversity, suboptimal shoreline conditions, and pressure on water supply security. Corresponding governance and protection measures were proposed, such as strengthening ecological protection, improving river regulation works, enhancing shoreline management, and upgrading water diversion facilities. The results provide scientific basis for river health management and the implementation of the river chief system in the lower Yellow River.
1. Introduction
The lower Yellow River in Henan faces a complex interplay of ecological degradation and high anthropogenic demands. Existing river health assessments often rely on fragmented indicators that fail to capture the integrated basin-scale conditions, particularly for large sediment-laden rivers. This study addresses this bottleneck by adopting a multi-criteria framework aligned with the national Guidelines for River and Lake Health Assessment, tailored to the specific geomorphological and hydrological characteristics of the lower Yellow River in Henan.
The evaluation integrates four criteria layers—basin, water, biology, and social service function—to provide a holistic diagnosis. The resultant score of 83.4 (healthy) masks significant disparities: while water quality and quantity are near-optimal (95.0), biological integrity lags severely (62.1). This discrepancy underscores the need for targeted ecological restoration rather than solely engineering interventions. The study's contribution lies in its systematic identification of these gaps and the formulation of concrete countermeasures, offering a replicable template for river health management in similar large river systems.
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WANG Wanwan, LIANG Shuai, CAO Yongtao, ZHANG Zhanshuo, TIAN Shimin, LIU Bairan (2026). River Health Assessment and Control Countermeasures for the Lower Yellow River in Henan. Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.13205/j.hjgc.202604016
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific indicators were used to assess the 'biological' criteria layer, and why did it score only 62.1?
The biological layer likely included metrics such as aquatic biodiversity indices (e.g., Shannon-Wiener index), fish abundance, and benthic macroinvertebrate diversity. The low score of 62.1 indicates significant impairment, likely due to habitat degradation, flow regulation, and pollution, which reduce species richness and abundance. The paper does not list exact indicators, but the low score underscores the need for habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement.
How does the 'basin' layer score of 73.7 reflect shoreline stability and what are the implications for flood management?
The 'basin' layer typically includes physical structure indicators such as bank stability, shoreline condition, and river morphology. A score of 73.7 suggests moderate stability, with some areas of erosion or 'four disorders' (unauthorized occupation, construction, dumping, and cultivation). This implies increased flood risk and necessitates reinforcement of river regulation works and stricter shoreline management to ensure safety.
What are the main pressures on water supply security despite a high 'water' layer score of 95.0?
The 'water' layer score reflects excellent water quality and hydrological conditions, but water supply security is influenced by demand-side factors, infrastructure capacity, and seasonal variability. The paper mentions 'pressure on water supply security', likely due to increasing municipal, agricultural, and industrial demands, aging diversion facilities, and potential conflicts during dry seasons. Upgrading water diversion infrastructure and improving water use efficiency are recommended.
How can the proposed countermeasures be prioritized to address the lowest-scoring biological layer?
Given the biological layer's low score, immediate actions should focus on ecological restoration: restoring aquatic habitats, improving river connectivity, and enhancing riparian zones. The paper suggests strengthening ecological protection and improving river regulation works, which can create more stable habitats. Long-term monitoring of biodiversity indicators is essential to track progress.
What is the reproducibility of this assessment framework for other river reaches in the Yellow River basin?
The framework is based on national guidelines and tailored to the lower Yellow River's characteristics. It can be adapted to other reaches by adjusting indicator weights and thresholds to local conditions. The methodology is transparent and data-driven, making it reproducible for comparative assessments across the basin.
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