An approach towards the development of environmental quality index for evaluation and categorization of environmental impacts

During systematic analysis of environmental data, Quality Index (QI) and Quality Matrix (QM) studies have proved to be much useful techniques. An attempt has been made to develop an approach for the evaluation of environmental data through index analysis. Based on the sensitivity function evaluation and derivation of Impact Index and Quality Index related to individual parameters of the various components, Integrated Quality Index (IQI) has been derived. Further, IQI for various environmental components have been carried over to matrix analysis to have over all visualization in the form of Environmental Quality Matrix (EQM). The results can be easily evaluated using defined Environmental Quality Index Classification System (EQICS).