System-Dynamics Modeling for Exploring the Impact of Industrial-Structure Adjustment on the Water Quality of the River Network in the Yangtze Delta Area

The coordinated development of the environment and economy is core sustainable development. This research investigated water-quality management by exploring impact socioeconomic activities on water quality associated with a major global city. To achieve this goal, system dynamics (SD) model was developed to capture feedback processes interactions between quality; population; resource; primary, secondary, tertiary sectors Yangtze Delta area, especially Jiaxing City. More importantly, we further subdivided identified nine key subindustries within three as high-polluting factors. Using model, five scenarios based different industrial restructurings were investigated. simulation results suggested that City’s would conform steadily increasing trend over 2021–2035. Changes in farming industry have most significant quality, followed those paper production (PPP) livestock poultry breeding (LPB) industry. In terms individual pollutant concentrations, concentrations COD TN sensitive changes industry, while PPP LPB having influence NH3-N TP, respectively. It feasible for City improve its through collaborative optimization industries. However, effect structure adjustment limited. Strategies comprising cleaner should be undertaken reduce pollution generation.