Abstract: We assessed the ecological quality of four districts/counties in Dongying City (Dongying District, Hekou District, Kenli District and Lijin County) located in the Yellow River Delta. An ecological quality evaluation system was established with DPSIR model by identifying 14 indicators, including population density, sediment flux, and natural shore-line rate. The weight of each indicator was calculated by the entropy weight method. Using a comprehensive index approach, we analyzed the dynamics of ecological quality assessment index and its driving factors for each district/county from 2000 to 2020. The comprehensive index for ecological quality assessment of the modern Yellow River Delta decreased in 2000-2010 and increased in 2010-2020. Kenli District demonstrated superior ecological quality, while Dongying District showed inferior performance. Population density, area of wetland restoration, and wetland protection rate were key factors influencing the ecological quality. State, influence, and response indicators had significant impacts on wetland ecological quality. Different districts/counties exhibited different driving factors for improving ecological quality, such as population density for Dongying District and Lijin County, area of wetland restoration for Hekou District, and population density and wetland rate for Kenli District. Our results provide a scientific foundation for ecological protection and restoration in the Yellow River Delta.

Key words: wetland, DPSIR model, Yellow River Delta, ecological quality, entropy weight method