Identification of Environmental Impacts Affected by Exploiting Gravel and Sand from Karun Riverbed by Checklist Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process

In this study, the destructive effects of over-harvesting gravel and sand resources from the Karun River bed are investigated in order to prevent and minimize the negative effects and adverse effects. The study area is a part of the Karun river located in Khuzestan province, from Bandghir in Shushtar to the intersection of Karun river with Arvand river.Research Method: This research is a combination of statistical, documentary, descriptive-analytical, and library methods. Considering the available information and the extent of the study area, the purpose of this study was to use statistical analysis and matching as well as the use of checklist method and hierarchical process.Results: Prioritization of effects using a checklist and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method shows that the most effects in the physicochemical environment (land shape, soil characteristics) is in the construction phase weighing ۰.۶۴, and in the economic and social environment (public and local trade), it is in the operation phase with a weight of ۰.۷۵۰. After that, most effects will be imposed on biological environments (protected areas) in the construction phase and physicochemical environment (on topography and land shape, soil resources) in the exploitation phase.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that harvesting from the riverbed is much more than permissible harvesting from the river and it is recommended that the amount of harvesting be reduced; the effects are weaker than modern methods. Therefore, it is suggested that due to the low environmental potential in developing countries, including Iran, modern methods replace traditional methods.

کلیدواژه ها:

Regional Environment ، Khuzestan Province