An analysis and evaluation of the ecological quality in the Minjiang River Basin via GEE and RSEI

In this study, Landsat 8 satellite remote sensing images from the period 2014–2022 were utilized as the data source. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform is used. Through principal component analysis, the greenness, humidity, dryness, and heat indices are combined to form the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI). The ecological environment quality of the Minjiang River Basin is assessed by this index, and its spatio - temporal evolution trend is also analyzed. The analysis results reveal a clear fluctuation in the ecological environment quality of the study area between 2014 and 2022. The ecological quality reached its best level in 2021, but the overall fluctuation range was relatively small and the quality remained generally low. Spatially, the regions of low ecological quality mainly gather at the river basin's northern and southern extremes, aligning with areas of high population density and significant human activity. This spatial pattern underscores the major influence of human activities on the ecological environment. The research highlights the necessity of implementing effective ecological protection measures. These measures aim to balance urban development and ecological conservation. They can also advance sustainable ecological development in the Minjiang River Basin