Predicting Potential Salinity in River Water for Irrigation Water Purposes Using Integrative Machine Learning Models

ABSTRACT Accurate prediction of river water quality parameters is essential for environmental protection and sustainable agricultural resource management. This study presents a novel framework for estimating potential salinity in river water in arid and semi‐arid regions by integrating a kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) with a boosted salp swarm algorithm based on differential evolution (KELM‐BSSADE). A dataset of 336 samples, including bicarbonate, calcium, pH, total dissolved solids and sodium adsorption ratio, was collected from the Idenak station in Iran and was used for the modelling. Results demonstrated that KELM‐BSSADE outperformed models such as deep random vector functional link (dRVFL), general regression neural network (GRNN), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), online sequential extreme learning machine (OSELM) and extreme gradient boosting decision tree (XGBoost) when compared with observed river salinity data. Also, the KELM‐BSSADE model effectively identified optimal inputs through the Boruta‐XGBoost (B‐XGB) feature selection method. Four metaheuristic‐based KELM models were developed, utilizing grey wolf optimizer, whale optimization, slime mould algorithm and equilibrium optimizer, further illustrating the capability of KELM‐BSSADE in estimating potential salinity in river water. By accurately estimating potential salinity, KELM‐BSSADE can assist in optimizing irrigation practices, ensuring that agricultural demands are met while minimizing the risk of salinity‐related crop damage.