Phosphorus removal by the multipond system sediments receiving agricultural drainage in a headstream watershed

Wetland systems in headstream watersheds are important to control the nonpoint source pollutant phosphorus. Experiments were conducted using intact sediment-water columns obtained from the multipond system in Liuchahe watershed of Chaohu Lake to determine its capacity to retain P. It was found that pond sediments had strong P retention ability. For the Hill pond, Village pond and Rice pond, their retention coefficient(A) were 288.3, 279.2 and 260.8 L/m^2, respectively. The equilibrium P concentration(EPCw) were 0.016, 0.028 and 0.018 mg/L, respectively. The Hill pond indicated the highest P retention ability. P retained in the pond sediments indicated high stable degree. P removal from the overlying water column into the pond sediments followed a first-order kinetic model. Under the experimental hydrological conditions, the retention time had a positive correlation with the P loading. The multipond system could provide enough retention time to retain P in drainage runoffs. At the P levels evaluated, the sediments of the multipond system are effective sinks to retain P from nonpoint source runoffs.     

AnnAGNPS模型在九龙江流域农业非点源污染模拟应用

运用连续-分布式参数模型(AnnualizedAgriculturalNonPointSourceModel,AnnAGNPS)进行中国南方山区中等尺度流域———九龙江流域农业非点源污染负荷估算和对流域过程和管理措施的模拟.利用4个典型汇水区校正模型参数,并进一步在九龙江的北溪和西溪两大支流流域验证模型的适宜性.以此为基础模拟西溪总氮负荷为24.76kg/(hm²·a),总磷负荷为0.67kg/(hm²·a);北溪总氮负荷10.28kg/(hm²·a),总磷负荷为0.40kg/(hm²·a).运用AnnAGNPS模型对典型汇水区特定集水单元、西溪和北溪流域的土地利用管理措施进行分别模拟.模拟结果显示坡地种植退耕返林后,天宝仙都集水单元92地表径流、泥沙、总氮和总磷负荷可分别削减了21.6%、25.9%、96%和79.2%;下庄集水单元93地表径流、泥沙总氮和总磷负荷削减率分别为94.1%、54.9%、99.2%,和79.7%;模拟西溪香蕉地改种双季稻,西溪总氮、可溶态氮、总磷和可溶性磷依次削减了23.83%、25.44%、9.08%和19.84%;模拟北溪流域内生猪场全部搬迁,流域出口总氮和可溶态氮的削减率分别为63.54%和76.92%.     

太湖地区蠡河流域不同用地类型面源污染特征

以太湖上游蠡河流域为研究区,通过对面源污染为主子流域和城镇地表径流进行监测,结合GIS空间分析方法,分析了流域林地、耕地及城镇用地等土地利用类型的面源污染流失特征.结果表明,林地产出径流面源COD、TN和TP浓度分别为2.987±1.582,1.690±0.349,0.019±0.009mg/L;耕地的产出径流面源COD、TN和TP浓度分别为9.874±5.146,2.534±2.459,0.185±0.149mg/L;小城镇的产出径流面源COD、TN和TP浓度分别为7.729,1.790,0.117mg/L.蠡河流域的面源污染COD、TN和TP负荷量分别为919.9,306.0,13.5t/a.     

THE CONCEPT OF HYDROLOGIC LANDSCAPES1

ABSTRACT: Hydrologic landscapes are multiples or variations of fundamental hydrologic landscape units. A fundamental hydrologic landscape unit is defined on the basis of land‐surface form, geology, and climate. The basic land‐surface form of a fundamental hydrologic landscape unit is an upland separated from a lowland by an intervening steeper slope. Fundamental hydrologic landscape units have a complete hydrologic system consisting of surface runoff, ground‐water flow, and interaction with atmospheric water. By describing actual landscapes in terms of land‐surface slope, hydraulic properties of soils and geologic framework, and the difference between precipitation and evapotranspiration, the hydrologic system of actual landscapes can be conceptualized in a uniform way. This conceptual framework can then be the foundation for design of studies and data networks, syntheses of information on local to national scales, and comparison of process research across small study units in a variety of settings. The Crow Wing River watershed in central Minnesota is used as an example of evaluating stream discharge in the context of hydrologic landscapes. Lake‐research watersheds in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Nebraska are used as an example of using the hydrologic‐land‐scapes concept to evaluate the effect of ground water on the degree of mineralization and major‐ion chemistry of lakes that lie within ground‐water flow systems.     

MACROSCALE HYDROLOGIC MODELING FOR REGIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT STUDIES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UMTED STATES1

ABSTRACT: A macroscale hydrologic model is developed for regional climate assessment studies under way in the southeastern United States. The hydrologic modeling strategy is developed to optimize spatial representation of basin characteristics while maximizing computational efficiency. The model employs the “grouped response unit” methodology, which follows the natural drainage pattern of the area. First order streams are delineated and their surface characteristics are tested so that areas with statistically similar characteristics can be combined into larger computational zones for modeling purposes. Hydrologic response units (HRU) are identified within the modeling units and a simple three‐layer water balance model, Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), is executed for each HRU. The runoff values are then convoluted using a triangular unit hydrograph and routed by Muskingum‐Cunge method. The methodology is shown to produce accurate results relative to other studies, when compared to observations. The model is used to evaluate the potential error in hydrologic assessments when using GCM predictions as climatic input in a rainfall‐runoff dominated environment. In such areas, the results from this study, although limited in temporal and spatial scope, appear to imply that use of GCM climate predictions in short term quantitative analyses studies in rainfall‐runoff dominated environments should proceed with caution.     

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MONITORING1

ABSTRACT: An informal sample of 30 flawed monitoring projects was examined to identify the most common problems and to determine how they could have been prevented. Problems fall into two general categories: 70 percent of the sampled projects had design problems, and 50 percent of the sampled projects had procedural problems. Monitoring projects implemented by land‐management agencies tended to have a higher proportion of procedural problems than did university‐based programs (generally graduate student research), while the frequency of design problems was similar between agencies and universities. The most common problems were poorly trained or unmotivated field crews (37 percent of projects, a procedural problem), a sampling plan that was not capable of measuring what was needed to meet project objectives (30 percent, design), delays in analyzing data (27 percent, procedure), inadequate monitoring durations (27 percent, design), and absence of the collateral information needed to interpret results (20 percent, procedure). Most of the problems could have been avoided by submission of the study design to thorough technical and statistical review, active participation of the principal investigators in field data collection, and analysis of at least some of the data as soon as information was collected so that problems could be recognized early enough to be corrected.     

RIPARIAN ZONE CLASSIFICATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF STREAM WATER QUALITY AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH1

ABSTRACT: Riparian zones perform a variety of biophysical functions that can be managed to reduce the effects of land use on instream habitat and water quality. However, the functions and human uses of riparian zones vary with biophysical factors such as landform, vegetation, and position along the stream continuum. These variations mean that “one size fits all” approaches to riparian management can be ineffective for reducing land use impacts. Thus riparian management planning at the watershed scale requires a framework that can consider spatial differences in riparian functions and human uses We describe a pilot riparian zone classification developed to provide such a framework for riparian management in two diverse river systems in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Ten classes of riparian zones were identified that differed sufficiently in their biophysical features to require different management. Generic “first steps” and “best practical” riparian management recommendations and associated costs were developed for each riparian class. The classification aims to not only improve our understanding of the effectiveness of riparian zone management as a watershed management tool among water managers and land owners, but to also provide a basis for deciding on management actions.     

LANDSCAPE ATTRIBUTES AS CONTROLS ON GROITHD WATER NITRATE REMOVAL CAPACITY OF RIPARIAN ZONES1

ABSTRACT: Inherent site factors can generate substantial variation in the ground water nitrate removal capacity of riparian zones. This paper examines research in the glaciated Northeast to relate variability in ground water nitrate removal to site attributes depicted in readily available spatial databases, such as SSUIRGO. Linking site‐specific studies of riparian ground water nitrate removal to spatial data can help target high‐value riparian locations for restoration or protection and improve the modeling of watershed nitrogen flux. Site attributes, such as hydric soil status (soil wetness) and geomorphology, affect the interaction of nitrate‐enriched ground water with portions of the soil ecosystem possessing elevated biogeochemical transformation rates (i.e., biologically active zones). At our riparian sites, high ground water nitrate‐N removal rates were restricted to hydric soils. Geomorphology provided insights into ground water flowpaths. Riparian sites located on outwash and organic/alluvial deposits have high potential for nitrate‐enriched ground water to interact with biologically active zones. In till deposits, ground water nitrate removal capacity may be limited by the high occurrence of surface seeps that markedly reduce the time available for biological transformations to occur within the riparian zone. To fully realize the value of riparian zones for nitrate retention, landscape controls of riparian nitrate removal in different climatic and physiographic regions must be determined and translated into available spatial databases.     

WATERSHED SCALE MODELING OF CRITICAL SOURCE AREAS OF RUNOFF GENERATION AND PHOSPHORUS TRANSPORT1

ABSTRACT: A curve number based model, Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and a physically based model, Soil Moisture Distribution and Routing (SMDR), were applied in a headwater watershed in Pennsylvania to identify runoff generation areas, as runoff areas have been shown to be critical for phosphorus management. SWAT performed better than SMDR in simulating daily streamflows over the four‐year simulation period (Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficient: SWAT, 0.62; SMDR, 0.33). Both models varied streamflow simulations seasonally as precipitation and watershed conditions varied. However, levels of agreement between simulated and observed flows were not consistent over seasons. SMDR, a variable source area based model, needs further improvement in model formulations to simulate large peak flows as observed. SWAT simulations matched the majority of observed peak flow events. SMDR overpredicted annual flow volumes, while SWAT underpredicted the same. Neither model routes runoff over the landscape to water bodies, which is critical to surface transport of phosphorus. SMDR representation of the watershed as grids may allow targeted management of phosphorus sources. SWAT representation of fields as hydrologic response units (HRUs) does not allow such targeted management.     

Development and Application of the 2010 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load Model

The Phase 5.3 Watershed Model simulates the Chesapeake watershed land use, river flows, and the associated transport and fate of nutrient and sediment loads to the Chesapeake Bay. The Phase 5.3 Model is the most recent of a series of increasingly refined versions of a model that have been operational for more than two decades. The Phase 5.3 Model, in conjunction with models of the Chesapeake airshed and estuary, provides estimates of management actions needed to protect water quality, achieve Chesapeake water quality standards, and restore living resources. The Phase 5.3 Watershed Model tracks nutrient and sediment load estimates of the entire 166,000 km² watershed, including loads from all six watershed states. The creation of software systems, input datasets, and calibration methods were important aspects of the model development process. A community model approach was taken with model development and application, and the model was developed by a broad coalition of model practitioners including environmental engineers, scientists, and environmental managers. Among the users of the Phase 5.3 Model are the Chesapeake watershed states and local governments, consultants, river basin commissions, and universities. Development and application of the model are described, as well as key scenarios ranging from high nutrient and sediment load conditions if no management actions were taken in the watershed, to low load estimates of an all‐forested condition.