Spatial risk assessment of social vulnerability to contaminated river water: A case study of Coosa River watershed

Abstract

This study investigates the spatiotemporal patterns of toxic release inventory (TRI) releases within the Coosa River watershed and the compounded hazards of flooding and industrial emissions through a spatial risk assessment framework, focusing on social vulnerability to contaminated floodwaters and emphasizing the impacts on low-income and racially diverse communities. By integrating socio-economic indicators, flood risk factors, and TRI chemical release data from 2000, 2010, and 2020, the research employs Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), specifically the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to identify areas where socially vulnerable communities are at risk of contamination associated with flood risk. The findings reveal a prominent increase in chemical discharges to water despite an overall reduction in discharges to land, water, and air, highlighting risk to vulnerable populations. The analysis shows shifts over time in the location and extent of pollution as well as high and low flood potential areas, demonstrating how changing socio-economic conditions have influenced community susceptibility to flooding and contamination. This integrative approach offers a comprehensive environmental risk assessment and underscores the importance of adaptive and effective risk management strategies to address the dynamic interactions between flooding, industrial activities, and socio-economic conditions.