Characteristics of chloride loading from urban and agricultural watersheds during storm and non-storm period
Abstract The chloride ion (Cl−) can adversely affect an aquatic ecosystem, but it is not clear how Cl− moves with runoff and how its transport processes are related to land uses and covers. This study investigated how the loading characteristics of Cl− vary depending on storm events and land covers in temperate region. We monitored Cl− concentrations in three study watersheds that have the different compositions of urban and agricultural land uses. In addition, a Mass First Flush ratio (MFFn) was determined to quantify the effect of first flush on Cl− loading. Overall, the observed concentrations and loadings in this study were found less than those reported in the cold northern regions. The monitoring data showed that Cl− concentrations and loads observed in an urban watershed were significantly larger than that of a rural watershed. The results suggest water management plans to focus on urbanized areas and their storm water to efficiently reduce chloride loading to downstream waterbodies. However, a further study is recommended to identify the sources and pathways of Cl− loaded to waterbodies.