Assessment of water resource carrying capacity based on the chicken swarm optimization-projection pursuit model

Water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) is of great importance to assess the maximum capacity of water resource and scientifically evaluate for sustainable development of economic. This study proposes a chicken swarm optimization-projection pursuit evaluation (CSO-PPE) model, to assess the WRCC of Shaanxi province of China for the period of 2007–2016. The effectiveness of CSO was firstly demonstrated using four typical functions. Then, the CSO-PPM model is used to assess WRCC, and the results were compared with other three algorithms including the particle swarm optimization (PSO), firefly algorithm (FA), and seeker optimization algorithm (SOA). An evaluation index system was established based on the drivers-pressure-state-impact-response-management (DPSIRM) model. The results showed that the WRCC has gradually increased from 2007 to 2016. In addition, the southern and northern regions of Shaanxi province had higher water resource carrying capacity with respect to that of Guanzhong region of Shaanxi province. Additionally, the results also indicated that this evaluation method is feasible for assessing WRCC in Shaanxi province of China, which provide a scientific basis for assessing regional WRCC in other places.