Exploring the Optimal Scale of Coastal Reclamation Activities Based on an Environmental Capacity Assessment System: A Case Study in Haizhou Bay, China

With the acceleration of urbanization, demand for land due to urban large-scale construction and development is increasing. Coastal reclamation (CR) a prevailing approach tackle contradiction between coastal shortage growing living space human beings. Enormous social economic benefits are derived from CR, while at same time bringing series environmental problems. Since beginning 21st century, this oceanic-oriented has become more frequent. Therefore, considerable ecological trade-offs activities must be analyzed enable targeted use decisions. By comprehensively evaluating natural conditions sea area, including geology, topography, hydrology, ecology, conditions, study established an capacity assessment system (ECAS) based on water potential impact resulting CR. According quality status positions CR in Haizhou Bay, capacities four major pollutants were calculated forecast suitable area The results indicated that these projects had notable negative effects pollutants. order according their harm seawater is: PO4-P > NH4-N NOX-N COD. In three alternative scenarios, scenario 3 led minimum impacts capacity, 2 followed, 1 worst result. Hence, was optimal scenario, under which Bay found 83 km2. This provides scientific reference effective management future research when new proposed, as well sustainable development.