Application of Ca-Markov Model and Land Use/Land Cover Changes in Malacca River Watershed, Malaysia

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Modeling the effects of past and current land use composition on surface water quality of the Malacca River watershed provides valuable information for environmental and land planning. The Land use land cover (LULC) spatio-temporal changes in watershed are classified as non-industrial area, industrial area, vegetation area, open space area, water bodies, as well as farming area. This is compared with the future spatial pattern simulated using CA-Markov model to evaluate qualitative and quantitative changes of LULC over time (between 2001, 2008, 2015, and 2029). This analysis consisted of the entire Malacca River watershed area. Changes may provide information on determinant of river water quality in future. Based on LULC monitoring and future simulation approach, the results may be used in an early warning system by demonstrating trend and consequences of changes in watershed. Continuous downward trends for vegetation area, open space area, and water bodies are due to expansion in non-industrial area, industrial area, and farming areas that increase contamination in the Malacca River. The findings demonstrate the need for more regulation in land use policy design, planning, and development for the protection of river water quality.