.svg)
Current issue: Volume 25, No. 1 (2025)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(1).009
Talaid D.L.E., Vitor A.J.C., Lemente Jr R.F., Paragamac J.B.R. 2025. Land use land cover change impacts on groundwater availability projections: a case study of Talomo- Lipadas watershed. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(1):141-164.
Abstract
The rate of land use and land cover (LULC) change is critical in determining the sustainability of groundwater resources, often linked to rapid urbanization and population growth. This study examines spatio-temporal LULC changes in the Talomo-Lipadas watershed by analyzing geomorphological and hydrological parameters to predict groundwater availability, hypothesized to be influenced by shifting LULC and rainfall patterns. Using Geographic Information System (GIS), statistical models, the analysis revealed that the watershed is predominantly rolling to moderately steep, with slopes ranging from 15-30% and elevation of <530 above mean sea level, which accounts 89.79% or 35,349.90 ha. The area has an average population density of 15/km2 and is dominated by clay-loam soil type. LULC trends presented that built-up areas (BUA) peaked in 2019 at 1.42% and forest areas had the highest decline in 2020 at -4.08%, agricultural land decreased in 2021 by -3.97%, and shrubland declined by -0.40% in 2022. Precipitation patters showed consistent levels from 2018 to 2022 but declined from 2021 to 2023, with the lowest rainfall of over 300 mm in 2023. Groundwater availability projection using linear, exponential, cubic, and support vector regression model indicate a downward trend, correlating with the changes in LULC and precipitation. Regression analysis confirmed a strong positive correlation between the variables, identifying that all models were reliable predictors. These findings call out the action to integrate LULC dynamics and rainfall trends in groundwater management and urban planning strategies.
Keywords: Land use and land cover, groundwater availability, support vector regression, and watershed management.
*Corresponding author: Danieca Louise E. Talaid. Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines. E-mail: d.talaid.517511@umindanao.edu.ph
Assel Jeunne C. Vitor. Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines
Renato F. Lemente Jr. Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines
Jason Ben R. Paragamac. College of Environmental Studies, Marinduque State University, Professional Schools, University of Mindanao, 8000, Davao City, Philippines
