scholarly journals Integrated assessment modeling reveals near-channel management as cost-effective to improve water quality in agricultural watersheds

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (28) ◽  
pp. e2024912118
Author(s):  
Amy T. Hansen ◽  
Todd Campbell ◽  
Se Jong Cho ◽  
Jonathon A. Czuba ◽  
Brent J. Dalzell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Channel Management ◽  
Watershed Scale ◽  
Optimization Analysis ◽  
Row Crop

Despite decades of policy that strives to reduce nutrient and sediment export from agricultural fields, surface water quality in intensively managed agricultural landscapes remains highly degraded. Recent analyses show that current conservation efforts are not sufficient to reverse widespread water degradation in Midwestern agricultural systems. Intensifying row crop agriculture and increasing climate pressure require a more integrated approach to water quality management that addresses diverse sources of nutrients and sediment and off-field mitigation actions. We used multiobjective optimization analysis and integrated three biophysical models to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of alternative portfolios of watershed management practices at achieving nitrate and suspended sediment reduction goals in an agricultural basin of the Upper Midwestern United States. Integrating watershed-scale models enabled the inclusion of near-channel management alongside more typical field management and thus directly the comparison of cost-effectiveness across portfolios. The optimization analysis revealed that fluvial wetlands (i.e., wide, slow-flowing, vegetated water bodies within the riverine corridor) are the single-most cost-effective management action to reduce both nitrate and sediment loads and will be essential for meeting moderate to aggressive water quality targets. Although highly cost-effective, wetland construction was costly compared to other practices, and it was not selected in portfolios at low investment levels. Wetland performance was sensitive to placement, emphasizing the importance of watershed scale planning to realize potential benefits of wetland restorations. We conclude that extensive interagency cooperation and coordination at a watershed scale is required to achieve substantial, economically viable improvements in water quality under intensive row crop agricultural production.

A storm water retrofit plan for the mimico creek watershed

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 133-140
Author(s):  
J. Y. Li ◽  
D. Banting
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Great Lakes ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Storm Water ◽  
Planning Tool ◽  
Creek Watershed ◽  
Urbanized Areas ◽  
Goals And Objectives

Storm water quality management in urbanized areas remains a challenge to Canadian municipalities as the funding and planning mechanisms are not well defined. In order to provide assistance to urbanized municipalities in the Great Lakes areas, the Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment commissioned the authors to develop a Geographic Information System planning tool for storm water quality management in urbanized areas. The planning tool comprises five steps: (1) definition of storm water retrofit goals and objectives; (2) identification of appropriate retrofit storm water management practices; (3) formulation of storm water retrofit strategies; (4) evaluation of strategies with respect to retrofit goals and objectives; and (5) selection of storm water retrofit strategies. A case study of the fully urbanized Mimico Creek wateshed in the City of Toronto is used to demonstrate the application of the planning tool.

scholarly journals Impact of network sectorisation on water quality management

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 424-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hooman Armand ◽  
Ivan Stoianov ◽  
Nigel Graham
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hydraulic Variables

Abstract The sectorisation of water supply networks (WSNs) includes the permanent closure of valves in order to achieve a cost-effective leakage management and simplify pressure control. The impact of networks sectorisation, also known as district metered areas (DMAs), on water quality and discolouration has not been extensively studied and it remains unknown. In addition, hydraulic variables used in the literature for assessing the likelihood of potential discolouration are limited and inconclusive. This paper investigates a methodology to evaluate the impact of networks sectorisation (DMAs) on water quality and the likelihood of discolouration incidents. The methodology utilises a set of surrogate hydraulic variables and an analysis of the hydraulic condition in pipes with historic discolouration complaints. The proposed methodology has been applied to a large-scale WSN, with and without sectors, in order to assess the potential impact of DMAs on water quality. The results demonstrate that the sectorisation of WSN (DMAs) could compromise the overall water quality and increase the likelihood of discolouration incidents. The results of this study and the proposed surrogate hydraulic variables facilitate the formulation of optimisation problems for the re-design and control of WSNs with sectorised topologies.

Application of nitrogen and phosphorus criteria for streams in agricultural landscapes

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
pp. 2185-2191 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Chambers ◽  
G. A. Benoy ◽  
R. B. Brua ◽  
J. M. Culp
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Aquatic Life ◽  
Total N ◽  
Agricultural Streams ◽  
Ideal Standards

Efforts to control eutrophication of water resources in agriculturally dominated ecosystems have focused on managing on-farm activities to reduce nutrient loss; however, another management measure for improving water quality is adoption of environmental performance criteria (or ‘outcome-based standards’). Here, we review approaches for setting environmental quality criteria for nutrients, summarize approaches developed in Canada for setting ‘ideal’ and ‘achievable’ nutrient criteria for streams in agricultural watersheds, and consider how such criteria could be applied. As part of a ‘National Agri-Environmental Standards Initiative’, the Government of Canada committed to the development of non-regulatory environmental performance standards that establish total P (TP) and total N (TN) concentrations to protect ecological condition of agricultural streams. Application of four approaches for defining ideal standards using only chemistry data resulted in values for TP and TN spanning a relatively narrow range of concentrations within a given ecoregion. Cross-calibration of these chemically derived standards with information on biological condition resulted in recommendations for TP and TN that would likely protect aquatic life from adverse effects of eutrophication. Non-point source water quality modelling was then conducted in a specific watershed to estimate achievable standards, i.e. chemical conditions that could be attained using currently available and recommended management practices. Our research showed that, taken together, short-term achievable standards and ultimate ideal standards could be used to set policy targets that should, if realized, lower N and P concentrations in Canadian agricultural streams and improve biotic condition.

Estimation of the fate of microbial water quality contaminants in a South African river

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 271-274
Author(s):  
D. Hohls ◽  
G. du Plessis ◽  
S. N. Venter ◽  
M. C. Steynberg ◽  
C. M. E. De Wet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
South African ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Stream Water Quality ◽  
Quality Model ◽  
Microbial Water Quality ◽  
First Order ◽  
Effective Manner

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of assumptions, regarding assimilative capacity for microbial contaminants, implicit in microbial water quality management in South Africa. A one dimensional steady state stream water quality model, assuming first order decay of microbial water quality variables, was employed in an attempt to describe and predict microbial water quality in the chosen catchment. Based on the faecal coliform counts the results indicated that the processes of decay and dilution were inadequate to yield water quality which complied with South African and international guidelines for the domestic and recreational use of water. It was also found that a first order decay model can, with fairly limited data, allow a manager to investigate different microbial water quality scenarios in a cost-effective manner.

A Comparison of Alternative Strategies for Cost-Effective Water Quality Management in Lakes

2006 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Boyd Kramer ◽  
Stephen Polasky ◽  
Anthony Starfield ◽  
Brian Palik ◽  
Lynne Westphal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
Effective Water

scholarly journals Effluent standards for developing countries: combining the technology- and water quality-based approach

2005 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 133-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M.J. Ragas ◽  
P.A.G.M. Scheren ◽  
H.I. Konterman ◽  
R.S.E.W. Leuven ◽  
P. Vugteveen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Effluent Standards ◽  
The Usa

It is a challenge for developing countries to realize socio-economical development without impairing water resources in an unacceptable way. A possible means for controlling water pollution is through defining, applying and enforcing effluent standards for wastewater discharges. However, in many developing countries the definition of effluent standards is still poor. They are either too stringent because they are based on standards from developed countries, or too relaxed and therefore they do not guarantee the safe intended uses of water. In order to define an approach for setting effluent standards that suits the needs and means of developing counties, water quality management practices in the USA, the EU, the New Independent States (NIS) and the Philippines were analyzed and compared. Four criteria (protection of the environment, technical viability, economic feasibility and institutional capacity requirements) were used to assess the suitability of these practices for developing countries. It is concluded that a combined approach that is based on best available technology not entailing excessive costs and environmental quality standards is the best way to define effluent standards that restrict water pollution against affordable costs.

scholarly journals Weed management in organic echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) production

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kristiansen ◽  
B.M. Sindel ◽  
R.S. Jessop
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Echinacea Purpurea ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Hand Weeding

AbstractWeed management is a major constraint in organic production. It can be expensive and time-consuming and severe crop yield losses may be incurred when weeds are not adequately controlled. Research on organic weed management (OWM) in herb and vegetable production is increasing internationally, although in Australia very little work has been done to assess current OWM knowledge among growers, and to test the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the weed management practices used by organic growers. The effect of hand weeding, tillage, hay mulch, pelletized paper mulch (PP) and an unweeded control treatment on weed growth, crop growth and cost effectiveness were evaluated in several field trials on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and echinacea (Echinacea purpurea Moench. [L.]). In echinacea, hand weeding, hay mulch and PP reduced weed growth by at least 90% compared with the control, while tillage reduced weed levels by about 50%. The more expensive weeding methods such as hand weeding and hay mulch (AU$9600 and 8900 ha−1 respectively) produced higher yields, while the cheaper methods such as tillage ($4000 ha−1) had low crop yields and were therefore 25–50% less cost effective. In lettuce, weed growth was reduced by 96% for hand weeding and PP compared with the control, 85% for hay mulch and 66% for tillage. Weed management was cost-effectively achieved using cheaper weeding methods such as tillage ($985 ha−1) compared with more expensive methods such as hand weeding and hay mulching ($4400 and 7600 ha−1 respectively). PP had lower yields and was expensive ($12,500 ha−1) and was usually not cost effective in these trials. The results highlight several important advantages and disadvantages of currently used OWM methods in the field.

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