PhD Dissertation Final Oral Defense (April 2025)

Title of Dissertation: Urbanization and Coastal Water Quality: An Integrated Assessment

Candidate: Noorhan Ahmed
Program: PhD in Engineering Systems Management
Supervisor: Dr.Fatin Samara

Abstract:
Urbanization has profound impacts on coastal water quality, altering hydrological processes, increasing pollutant loads, and influencing ecological balance. This study examines the urbanization-driven changes in water quality at Khalid Khor in Sharjah, UAE, aiming to assess historical trends, identify key influencing factors, and propose mitigation strategies. By integrating water quality assessments, GIS-based land-use change analysis, statistical modeling, and expert opinions, this research develops a comprehensive understanding of how urban expansion affects the water quality of this critical coastal system.
The study begins by reviewing the broader implications of urbanization on water quality, identifying key research gaps, and formulating research questions to guide the investigation. Historical water quality data, including physical, chemical, and biological parameters, are analyzed to track changes over time. Statistical tools such as Pearson correlation and the Kruskal-Walli’s test are employed to assess the significance of observed variations, while GIS-based land-use change analysis helps establish links between urban development and water quality deterioration. A tailored Water Quality Index (WQI) is developed specifically for UAE coastal waters, incorporating expert input to ensure the index reflects regional environmental and hydrological conditions.
The role of urbanization factors, including land-use patterns, population growth, infrastructure development, and runoff management, is examined in correlation with WQI trends. Predictive models are constructed to anticipate future changes in water quality, integrating environmental and economic parameters to provide a robust framework for decision-making. The study further explores the time lag between urban expansion and its impact on WQI, offering insights into the delayed effects of development on coastal water bodies. By examining rainfall, flood patterns, and runoff contributions, this research highlights the compounding influence of climate change and extreme weather events on urban water quality dynamics.
A key outcome of this research is the formulation of best practices for mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on water quality. These include improved stormwater management, stricter land-use policies, enhanced wastewater treatment, and sustainable urban planning strategies. Recommendations are drawn from global best practices and tailored to the specific environmental context of Khalid Khor, ensuring their applicability in the UAE and other rapidly urbanizing coastal regions. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating water-sensitive urban design with policy interventions to minimize the long-term environmental consequences of urban expansion.
This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on coastal water management by providing empirical evidence of urbanization's impact on water quality and proposing actionable mitigation strategies. The insights gained from this study serve as a valuable resource for urban planners, environmental policymakers, and water resource managers seeking to balance development with ecological sustainability. By addressing urbanization’s challenges through scientific assessment and strategic planning, this study paves the way for more resilient and environmentally sustainable coastal management practices.

For more information, please contact ymohammadnoor@aus.edu.