Seasonal water-quality sampling in estuaries, what can it tell us? A case example of eastern Australian subtropical estuaries

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Logan ◽  
Kathryn H. Taffs

Point-sampling of water is often referred to as an inaccurate and crude method for use in estuaries; however, budgetary, spatial and time constraints often leave it as the only feasible option. The present paper investigates the relationship between spring water quality and diatom sampling of 52 eastern Australian subtropical estuaries and the OzCoasts determined classification of estuarine condition. In general, estuarine health decreases along the total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and the centric to pennate diatom ratio gradients. However, although there is a general trend, results are varied within each class, with some estuaries classed as extensively modified, recording low nutrient conditions. Principal components analysis (PCA) indicated that 55% of the variance among sites is explained by the first and second axes, with TN, TP, TN : TP, latitude and pH having high correlation with PCA Axis 1, and temperature, conductivity and the centric to pennate diatom ratio being correlated with Axis 2. Two diatom species that may have bioindicator value for estuary conditions were identified. We concluded that even though natural variability and accurate characterisation of estuaries is not possible with point-sampling, it can still identify important information on the status of estuarine condition, particularly in relation to total nutrient concentrations where budget and/or time constraints limit environmental monitoring.

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga S. Jakovljević ◽  
Slađana S. Popović ◽  
Danijela P. Vidaković ◽  
Katarina Z. Stojanović ◽  
Jelena Ž. Krizmanić

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to assess the ecological status of the Mlava River based on epilithic diatoms and to test the use of diatom indices as a tool for estimating the quality of flowing waters in Serbia. Quantitative analysis showed that in AprilAchnanthidium minutissimumwas dominant at each site, except at the fifth site, whereAmphora pediculuswas dominant. In July and September,Achnanthidium minutissimum, Achnanthidium pyrenaicum,Amphora pediculus,Denticula tenuis,Diatoma vulgaris,Gomphonema elegantissimum,Cocconeis pseudolineataandCocconeis placentulavar.lineatadominated. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used to detect the major patterns of variation in species composition. The first DCA axis summarizes the distribution of the diatom community, mainly through temperature, conductivity, oxygen and water hardness gradient. The second DCA axis was weakly correlated with few variables. Based on the average values of the pollution sensitivity index (IPS), commission for economical community metric (CEE) and biological diatom index (IBD), the water of the Mlava River belonged to water class I during all three seasons. Values of the diatom-based eutrophication/pollution index (EPI-D) indicated class II water quality. According to calculated trophic diatom index (TDI) values, water of the Mlava River was characterized by intermediate nutrient concentrations during three seasons. Principal components analysis was used to represent the correlation between diatom indices, and the highest correlation among the selected diatom indices is seen between EPI-D, IPS and IBD.


Author(s):  
Kiki Maini Hasibuan ◽  
Arman Harahap

The purpose of this study is to analyze the water quality of the river and the status of water quality of watersheds Kundur Kabupaten Labuhanbatu. Sampling was done at 3 monitoring points along the flow of the river Kundur Kabupaten Labuhanbatu. The determination of the sampling points in the field using the purposive sampling method, with the determination of the sampling points based on the differences in the characteristics found in the study area.Some of the parameters measured were temperature, conductivity, COD, BOD, and oil/ fat are then compared with the criteria of the Raw water Quality of the river class II according to PP R. I. No. 82 Year 2001.On Water Quality Management.Based on the results of the analysis of the obtained results that in the area of monitoring point 1, is the most polluted areas.This is because, in this area there is the activity of a diverse community.Household produces waste that comes from the activity of the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, washing clothes and washing of household appliances.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-137
Author(s):  
Hemant Pathak

The present work is aimed at assessing the water quality index (WQI) for the Rajghat reservoir water on Bewas River life line of Sagar city. This has been determined by collecting water samples from selected 5 locations covered entire reservoir, and subjecting the samples to a most important physico-chemical analysis. 14 parameters have been considered: DO, water temperature, Conductivity, TDS, TSS, pH, Total hardness, calcium content, magnesium content, Total alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, o-Phosphate, and iron present in water samples. The results obtained reveal that the water quality of the area needs some degree of treatment before consumption. It therefore becomes imperative to regularly monitoring the quality of water to protect it. The objective of the present work is to compute water quality index values to assess the suitability of water for human consumption. Water level has a net positive effect on water quality in water body through dilution of environmental parameters. Consequently, local management agencies should pay more attention to nutrient concentrations during the monitoring schedule, as well as during the low-water periods which manifest a relatively bad water quality state.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Ricardo Petter Medeiros ◽  
Geórgenes Hilário Cavalcante ◽  
Nilva Brandini ◽  
Bastiaan Adriaan Knoppers

Abstract: Aim This study characterized the water quality in the lower São Francisco River (NE-Brazil).This research represents the first work to be carried out in the lower sector of the São Francisco river aiming to quantify and compare limnological variables, during three different years (2001, 2004 and 2007). Methods Water samples were collected in a transversal section of the river at monthly intervals period on surface layer. Temperature, conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen were obtained using a multiparameter probe YSI-6600. The dissolved inorganic nutrients (ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved phosphorus and silicates), chlorophyll-a and total suspended sediment (TSS) were also determined. Results The three hydrological years showed differences in precipitation rates and discharge conditions. The year 2001 had precipitation rates below the historical series of rainfall. The mean annual water temperature showed negligible differences among the three years. Dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations were highest in 2004, with ammonia and nitrate differing statistically between the years (p<0.05); the later showed the largest concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Chlorophyll-a showed a slight difference among years. Conclusions Precipitation intensity has a direct impact on the São Francisco River discharge, but the geographical distribution of the precipitation is also a determinant factor for alterations of the chemical and physical characteristics of the water that reaches the lower sector of the São Francisco River.


Author(s):  
Markus T Lasut ◽  
Adianse Tarigan

A study on water quality status of three riverine systems, S. Bailang (SB), S. Maasing (SM), and S. Tondano (ST), in coastal city of Manado, North Sulawesi Province, has been conducted to measure several water quality parameters, to analyse source and quality of wastewater discharge, and to assess the status of the rivers related to the water quality. Measurement of the parameters was conducted using three indicators, i.e. organic (BOD5) and in-organic (N-NO3 and P-PO4), and pathogenic microorganism (Escherichia coli [EC] and total coliform [TC]). The result showed that the level of water quality varied between the rivers. The average level of water quality (based on the observed parameters) in SB, respectively, was 0.317 mg/l, 0.093 mg/l, 2 mg/l, >2420 MPN, and  >2420 MPN; in SM, respectively, was 0.029 mg/l, 1.859 mg/l, 17.7 mg/l, >2420 MPN, and >2420 MPN; and in ST, respectively, was 0.299 mg/l, 0.252 mg/l, 3.5 mg/l, >2420 MPN, and >2420 MPN. The level of water quality between the rivers was not significantly different (p>0.05), except based on the parameter of N-NO3 which was significantly different (p<0.01). The status of the observed rivers varied based on the classes of their water utilities (according to the Government Regulation of Indonesia, No. 82, 2001); mostly was "unsuitable". Kajian tentang status kualitas air di 3 perairan sungai di kota pesisir Manado, S. Bailang (SB), S. Maasing (SM), dan S. Tondano (ST), Provinsi Sulawesi Utara, telah dilakukan yang bertujuan untuk mengukur beberapa parameter kualitas air, menganalisis sumber dan kualitas buangan limbah domestik, dan menilai status ketiga perairan sungai tersebut. Tiga indikator digunakan, yaitu: bahan organik (BOD5), bahan anorganik (N-NO3 dan P-PO4), dan mikroorganisme patogenik (Escherichia coli [EC] dan coliform total [TC]). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kualitas air perairan tersebut berbeda-beda. Konsentrasi rerata parameter kualitas air  (BOD5, N-NO3, P-PO4, EC, dan TC) di SB, berturut-turut, sebesar 0.317 mg/l, 0.093 mg/l, 2 mg/l, >2420 MPN, dan >2420 MPN; di SM, berturut-turut, sebesar 0.029 mg/l, 1.859 mg/l, 17.7 mg/l, >2420 MPN, dan >2420 MPN; dan di ST, berturut-turut, sebesar 0.299 mg/l, 0.252 mg/l, 3.5 mg/l, >2420 MPN, dan >2420 MPN. Konsentrasi kualitas air ketiga sungai tersebut tidak berbeda secara signifikan (p>0.05), kecuali parameter N-NO3 (p<0.01). Secara umum, kondisi kualitas air ketiga sungai tersebut, menurut Peraturan Pemerintah No. 82, 2001) berada dalam status “tidak cocok” untuk peruntukannya.


1990 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Dokulil ◽  
G. A. Janauer

The system “Neue Donau” functions as a control system for high waters of the river Danube and is an important recreational area for many people. Water quality and trophic status of the water body is thereforeof prime importance. The high nutrient concentrations of the river Danube (P-tot 238±41µg/l, N-tot 2.53±0.78 mg/l) reach the system via groundwater seepage. Present conditions in the basin of Neue Donau are,as a result of this nutrient in-flux,eutrophic to hypertrophic. Average values during the summer period have declined from 366 µg/l total phosphorus to 78 µg/l, and from 86 µg/l chlorophyll-a tol7µg/l between the years 1985 and 1988. However, a dam which is planned in the river at Vienna will permanently raise the water level of the river thus increasing the the groundwater flow in the direction to the Neue Donau and therefore the nutrient input which will enhance trophic conditions in the impoundment. Since macrophytes play an important role in one part of the system macrophyte management together with measures along the river are some of the suggested strategies to keep the system Neue Donau at acceptable trophic conditions and good water quality.


Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2117
Author(s):  
Su-mi Kim ◽  
Hyun-su Kim

The variations in water quality parameters and trophic status of a multipurpose reservoir in response to changing intensity of monsoon rain was investigated by applying a trophic state index deviation (TSID) analysis and an empirical regression model to the data collected in two periods from 2014 to 2017. The reservoir in general maintained mesotrophic conditions, and Carlson’s trophic state index (TSIc) was affected most by TSITP. Nutrient concentrations, particularly phosphorus, did not show strong correlations with precipitation, particularly in the period with weak monsoon, and a significant increase in total phosphorus (TP) was observed in Spring 2015, indicating the possibility of internal phosphorus loading under decreased depth and stability of water body due to a lack of precipitation. TSIChl was higher than TSISD in most data in period 1 when a negligible increase in precipitation was observed in the monsoon season while a significant fraction in period 2 showed the opposite trend. Phytoplankton growth was not limited by nutrient limitation although nutrient ratios (N/P) of most samples were significantly higher than 20, indicating phosphorus-limited condition. TSID and regression analysis indicated that phytoplankton growth was limited by zooplankton grazing in the Spring, and that cell concentrations and community structure in the monsoon and post-monsoon season were controlled by the changing intensity of the monsoon, as evidenced by the positive and negative relationships between community size and cyanobacterial population with the amount of precipitation in the Summer, respectively. The possibility of contribution from internal loading and an increase in cyanobacterial population associated with weak monsoon, in addition to potential for nutrient enrichment in the post-monsoon season, implies a need for the application of more stringent water quality management in the reservoir that can handle all potential scenarios of eutrophication.


2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
pp. 788 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. E. Pettit ◽  
T. D. Jardine ◽  
S. K. Hamilton ◽  
V. Sinnamon ◽  
D. Valdez ◽  
...  

The present study indicates the critical role of hydrologic connectivity in floodplain waterholes in the wet–dry tropics of northern Australia. These waterbodies provide dry-season refugia for plants and animals, are a hotspot of productivity, and are a critical part in the subsistence economy of many remote Aboriginal communities. We examined seasonal changes in water quality and aquatic plant cover of floodplain waterholes, and related changes to variation of waterhole depth and visitation by livestock. The waterholes showed declining water quality through the dry season, which was exacerbated by more frequent cattle usage as conditions became progressively drier, which also increased turbidity and nutrient concentrations. Aquatic macrophyte biomass was highest in the early dry season, and declined as the dry season progressed. Remaining macrophytes were flushed out by the first wet-season flows, although they quickly re-establish later during the wet season. Waterholes of greater depth were more resistant to the effects of cattle disturbance, and seasonal flushing of the waterholes with wet-season flooding homogenised the water quality and increased plant cover of previously disparate waterholes. Therefore, maintaining high levels of connectivity between the river and its floodplain is vital for the persistence of these waterholes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilva Brandini ◽  
◽  
Ana Paula de Castro Rodrigues ◽  
Ilene Matanó Abreu ◽  
Luiz Carlos Cotovicz Junior ◽  
...  

Abstract Aim: There are few studies dealing with the biogeochemical processes occurring in small estuaries receiving high sewage loading in tropical regions. The aim of this investigation was to characterize the biogeochemical behavior of nutrients in superficial waters collected at the Iguaçu estuarine system, during specific conditions (neap tide), located at the inner sector of a heavily eutrophicated embayment (Guanabara Bay, SE Brazil). Methods Physical and chemical variables were measured in situ (pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, transparency, dissolved oxygen), whereas suspended particulate matter, chlorophyll a, phaepigments and nutrients (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus forms) were measured in laboratory across the mesohaline estuarine gradient. Results The Iguaçu River mouth is in a high stage of eutrophication, considering nutrient concentrations, chlorophyll a and transparency of water column. Results indicate a transition from heterotrophic conditions to autotrophic conditions, since the nutrients concentrations showed a decreasing pattern along the saline gradient, while the chlorophyll an increased over the transects. The pH values and chlorophyll : phaeopigments ratios are significantly related to the amount and quality of organic matter contents, especially at transects under strong marine influence. More than 95% of the dissolved and total nitrogen concentrations are represented by NH4+ contributions, which are related to the ammonification of organic matter contents in this region, indicating the existence of untreated sewage loads in this area. Conclusion In this study, the Iguaçu River seemed to contribute with high inputs of nutrients that support important phytoplankton production at the inner regions of the bay related to the CO2 sink and autotrophic metabolism, showing the importance of verifying the biogeochemical behaviors of nutrients in estuarine areas, even in small scale.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sihem Hedjal ◽  
Derradji Zouini ◽  
Abdelwaheb Benamara

AbstractThe wetland complex of Guerbes-Sanhadja (north-eastern Algeria), has experienced in recent years a certain economic expansion, particularly agricultural, about 47% of the useful agricultural area marked by several varieties of crops ranging from market gardening to speculative crops, requiring large quantities of water for irrigation purposes, however the swampy areas are the main sources used for irrigation purposes in this practice. It is therefore necessary for this water to have physicochemical properties adapted to plants, in particular the absence of salinity. This study was done to evaluate the status of the swamps areas quality and its suitability for irrigated agriculture. To achieve this objective, water samples from ten swamps areas water were collected from Guerbes-Sanhadja in February and June of 2016. The water quality of these swamps was estimated from different water quality parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity (EC), the chemical parameters like Na+, K+, Ca2+, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−, BOD5, NO3−, NO2−, NH4+ and PO43−. Based on the physico-chemical analyses, irrigation quality parameters like sodium absorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (% Na), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), magnesium hazard (MH) were calculated. The results showed that the overall concentration of nitrate was very high. About 60 percent of the swampy areas had suitable water quality for chloride, and they had a concentration below the permissible limit for crop irrigation. From the Richards diagram, it is observed that most of the samples from the study area fall in the good to permissible classes for irrigation purpose.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document