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Application of Bayesian networks in a hierarchical structure for environmental risk assessment: a case study of the Gabric Dam, Iran

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Abstract

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) is a commonly used, effective tool applied to reduce adverse effects of environmental risk factors. In this study, ERA was investigated using the Bayesian network (BN) model based on a hierarchical structure of variables in an influence diagram (ID). ID facilitated ranking of the different alternatives under uncertainty that were then used to evaluate comparisons of the different risk factors. BN was used to present a new model for ERA applicable to complicated development projects such as dam construction. The methodology was applied to the Gabric Dam, in southern Iran. The main environmental risk factors in the region, presented by the Gabric Dam, were identified based on the Delphi technique and specific features of the study area. These included the following: flood, water pollution, earthquake, changes in land use, erosion and sedimentation, effects on the population, and ecosensitivity. These risk factors were then categorized based on results from the output decision node of the BN, including expected utility values for risk factors in the decision node. ERA was performed for the Gabric Dam using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method to compare results of BN modeling with those of conventional methods. Results determined that a BN-based hierarchical structure to ERA present acceptable and reasonable risk assessment prioritization in proposing suitable solutions to reduce environmental risks and can be used as a powerful decision support system for evaluating environmental risks.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the two reviewers for their constructive comments on correction and improvement of the manuscript. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the technical experts of the Regional Water Company of Hormozgan Province and Lar Consulting Engineers for providing data and technical assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 14155-6135, Tehran, Iran

    Bahram Malekmohammadi & Negar Tayebzadeh Moghadam

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  1. Bahram Malekmohammadi
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  2. Negar Tayebzadeh Moghadam
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Correspondence to Bahram Malekmohammadi.

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Malekmohammadi, B., Tayebzadeh Moghadam, N. Application of Bayesian networks in a hierarchical structure for environmental risk assessment: a case study of the Gabric Dam, Iran. Environ Monit Assess 190, 279 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6609-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6609-3

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