Assessing the Diffuse Phosphorus Input from Subsurface to Surface Waters in the Catchment Area of the Lower River Spree (Germany)

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (3-5) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Driescher ◽  
J. Gelbrecht
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
Phosphorus Content ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Bank Filtration ◽  
Nutrient Contents ◽  
Phosphorus Sources ◽  
Phosphorus Contamination ◽  
Glaciofluvial Deposits ◽  
Subsurface Waters ◽  
Phosphorus Levels

The proportion of nonpoint phosphorus sources in the eutrophication process of surface waters is higher than generally assumed. In the surroundings of Berlin (glaciofluvial deposits and moraine areas) the phosphorus content of some subsurface waters reaches levels of several hundred µgP/l. As surface waters are mainly fed by groundwater in this area, nutrient contents in groundwater may become of great importance when other phosphorus sources are eliminated. Investigations in unpolluted areas are a prerequisite to decide whether higher phosphorus levels in groundwater are of natural origin or the result of contamination processes. The phosphorus background was shown to be very different and dependent on the depth below groundwater surface, content of iron, and redox conditions in the aquifer. Wastewater land treatment, bank filtration, agricultural land use, and degradation of lowland bogs were found to be sources of phosphorus contamination of aquifers. The results of observations are reported.

Phosphorus Leaching Under Cut Grassland

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Turner ◽  
P. M. Haygarth
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
P Fractions ◽  
Inorganic P ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Significant Mechanism ◽  
Total P

Phosphorus (P) transfer from agricultural land to surface waters can contribute to eutrophication, excess algal growth and associated water quality problems. Grasslands have a high potential for P transfer, as they receive P inputs as mineral fertiliser and concentrates cycled through livestock manures. The transfer of P can occur through surface and subsurface pathways, although the capacity of most soils to fix inorganic P has meant that subsurface P transfer by leaching mechanisms has often been perceived as negligible. We investigated this using large-scale monolith lysimeters (135 cm deep, 80 cm diameter) to monitor leachate P under four grassland soil types. Leachate was collected during the 1997–98 drainage year and analysed for a range of P fractions. Mean concentrations of total P routinely exceeded 100 μg l−1 from all soil types and, therefore, exceeded P concentrations above which eutrophication and algal growth can occur. The majority of the leachate P was in algal-available Mo-reactive (inorganic) forms, although a large proportion occurred in unreactive (organic) forms. We suggest that subsurface transfer by leaching can represent a significant mechanism for agricultural P transfer from some soils and must be given greater consideration as a potential source of diffuse P pollution to surface waters.

Bank filtration: a suitable process for the removal of iodinated X-ray contrast media?

2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 261-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Schittko ◽  
A. Putschew ◽  
M. Jekel
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Contrast Media ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Transformation Products ◽  
Bank Filtration ◽  
Anoxic Conditions ◽  
X Ray ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Media Concentration

After bank filtration, effluent influenced surface waters are often used as raw drinking water. It is known that high concentrations of iodinated X-ray contrast media are detectable in such surface waters and thus, more knowledge about the behaviour of the contrast media during bank filtration is necessary and the subject of investigations in this study. The adsorbable organic iodine (AOI), four widely used iodinated X-ray contrast media and four possible transformation products were quantified in an influenced lake, five groundwater wells and a drinking water well. Under anoxic conditions the AOI as well as the concentration of the contrast media are decreased by bank filtration, whereby the AOI is decreased by 64% and the contrast media concentration can be reduced up to 95%, depending on the compound. In the raw drinking water the following average concentrations were determined: Iopromid <20 ng/L, Diatrizote 166 ng/L, Iopamidol 166 ng/L and Iohexol 34 ng/L. Instationary conditions during the sampling period indicate that, at least under anoxic conditions, a large part of the contrast media and transformation products, which are still iodinated, may be associated to colloids and/or humic material.

scholarly journals Nitrate source identification in the Baltic Sea using its isotopic ratios in combination with a Bayesian isotope mixing model

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 4913-4924 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Korth ◽  
B. Deutsch ◽  
C. Frey ◽  
C. Moros ◽  
M. Voss
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Deposition ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
N2 Fixation ◽  
Source Identification ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Mixing Model ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Bayesian Isotope Mixing Model ◽  
The Baltic

Abstract. Nitrate (NO3−) is the major nutrient responsible for coastal eutrophication worldwide and its production is related to intensive food production and fossil-fuel combustion. In the Baltic Sea NO3− inputs have increased 4-fold over recent decades and now remain constantly high. NO3− source identification is therefore an important consideration in environmental management strategies. In this study focusing on the Baltic Sea, we used a method to estimate the proportional contributions of NO3− from atmospheric deposition, N2 fixation, and runoff from pristine soils as well as from agricultural land. Our approach combines data on the dual isotopes of NO3− (δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−) in winter surface waters with a Bayesian isotope mixing model (Stable Isotope Analysis in R, SIAR). Based on data gathered from 47 sampling locations over the entire Baltic Sea, the majority of the NO3− in the southern Baltic was shown to derive from runoff from agricultural land (33–100%), whereas in the northern Baltic, i.e. the Gulf of Bothnia, NO3− originates from nitrification in pristine soils (34–100%). Atmospheric deposition accounts for only a small percentage of NO3− levels in the Baltic Sea, except for contributions from northern rivers, where the levels of atmospheric NO3− are higher. An additional important source in the central Baltic Sea is N2 fixation by diazotrophs, which contributes 49–65% of the overall NO3− pool at this site. The results obtained with this method are in good agreement with source estimates based upon δ15N values in sediments and a three-dimensional ecosystem model, ERGOM. We suggest that this approach can be easily modified to determine NO3− sources in other marginal seas or larger near-coastal areas where NO3− is abundant in winter surface waters when fractionation processes are minor.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Impacts of Agriculture to Groundwater Pollution in a Shallow Aquifer in Eastern Croatia

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vilim FILIPOVIĆ ◽  
Dragutin PETOŠIĆ ◽  
Ivan ŠIMUNIĆ ◽  
Ivan MUSTAĆ ◽  
Zlatko SVEČNJAK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Pollution ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Shallow Aquifer ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Investigation Area ◽  
Groundwater Samples ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Phosphorus Levels ◽  
Observation Period

Agricultural activities are frequently associated with groundwater pollution. In this study, the goal is to evaluate the nitrate and phosphorus levels and it's impact to the groundwater. The investigation was located in the Eastern Croatia in the area of 6.600 ha of mainly agricultural land. Groundwater quality in the countertop part of the soil profile to 4.0 m depth was monitored by 40 installed hydropedological piezometers. Sampling water from piezometers was carried out every 60 days. In the groundwater samples nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and orthophosphate were analyzed. According to the indicators it was confirmed that at all locations during the observation period mean concentrations of NH4-N, NO3-N, total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the groundwater from piezometers occasionally exceeded the value of maximum allowable concentration (MAC) which is prescribed by the Regulations. The mean concentrations of NO3-N were consistent and varied in the range from 2.42 to 4.61 mg NO3-N/l, the mean concentrations of nitrogen from ammonia exceed the permissible value (NH4-N) throughout the year, the average being higher than MAC (0.50 mg NH4-N/l) and were within the range of 0.57 mg NH4-N/l in to 1.21 mg NH4-N/l. The maximum concentration of phosphorus in groundwater were in the range of values from 0.40 to 1.11 mg P/l. Observation of traditional agricultural production in the investigation area with emphasis on leaching of nitrogen and phosphorus shows that it represents a potential threat to the future pollution of groundwater with nitrogen with phosphorus.

scholarly journals Buoyancy and vertical distribution of Norwegian coastal cod (Gadus morhua) eggs from different areas along the coast

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (7) ◽  
pp. 1198-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erling Kåre Stenevik ◽  
Svein Sundby ◽  
Ann Lisbeth Agnalt
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Density Gradient ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Gadus Morhua ◽  
Genetic Differences ◽  
Marine Science ◽  
Norwegian Coast ◽  
Spawning Areas ◽  
Subsurface Waters ◽  
Eggs And Larvae

Abstract Stenevik, E. K., Sundby, S., and Agnalt, A. L. 2008. Buoyancy and vertical distribution of Norwegian coastal cod (Gadus morhua) eggs from different areas along the coast. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1198–1202. There are significant genetic differences in coastal cod (Gadus morhua) along the Norwegian coast, and in order to maintain these differences, there must be mechanisms that ensure local retention of eggs and larvae in the spawning areas. The buoyancy of eggs from four different areas along the Norwegian coast was measured using a density gradient column, and the results from modelling experiments showed that in three of the groups (Tysfjord, Helgeland, and Øygarden), the buoyancy in combination with local hydrography would place the eggs in subsurface waters where retention is greater than in surface waters.

scholarly journals Hydraulic Shortcuts Increase the Connectivity of Arable Land Areas to Surface Waters

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Urs Schönenberger ◽  
Christian Stamm
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
National Level ◽  
Aerial Images ◽  
Major Pathway ◽  
Pesticide Transport ◽  
Storm Drainage ◽  
Agricultural Areas

Abstract. Surface runoff represents a major pathway for pesticide transport from agricultural areas to surface waters. The influence of man-made structures (e.g. roads, hedges, ditches) on surface runoff connectivity has been shown in various studies. In Switzerland, so-called hydraulic shortcuts (e.g. inlets and maintenance manholes of road or field storm drainage systems) have been shown to influence surface runoff connectivity and related pesticide transport. Their occurrence, and their influence on surface runoff and pesticide connectivity have however not been studied systematically. To address that deficit, we randomly selected 20 study areas (average size = 3.5 km2) throughout the Swiss plateau, representing arable cropping systems. We assessed shortcut occurrence in these study areas using three mapping methods: field mapping, drainage plans, and high-resolution aerial images. Surface runoff connectivity in the study areas was analysed using a 2 × 2 m digital elevation model and a multiple-flow algorithm. Parameter uncertainty affecting this analysis was addressed by a Monte Carlo simulation. With our approach, agricultural areas were divided into areas that are either directly connected to surface waters, indirectly (i.e. via hydraulic shortcuts), or not connected at all. Finally, the results of this connectivity analysis were scaled up to the national level using a regression model based on topographic descriptors. Inlets of the road storm drainage system were identified as the main shortcuts. On average, we found 0.84 inlets and a total of 2.0 manholes per hectare of agricultural land. In the study catchments between 43 and 74 % of the agricultural area is connected to surface waters via hydraulic shortcuts. On the national level, this fraction is similar (54 %). These numbers suggest that transport through hydraulic shortcuts is an important pesticide flow path in a landscape where many engineered structures exist to drain excess water from fields and roads. However, this transport process is currently not considered in Swiss pesticide legislation and authorisation. Therefore, current regulations may fall short to address the full extent of the pesticide problem. Overall, the findings highlight the relevance of better understanding the connectivity between fields and receiving waters and the underlying factors and physical structures in the landscape.

scholarly journals The Effect of Changes in Forest Area on the Transcarpathian Tisza River Basin

2004 ◽  
pp. 181-185
Author(s):  
György Szuhányi
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Water Protection ◽  
Mountain Forests ◽  
Climate Control ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Subsurface Waters ◽  
Suitable Environment ◽  
Living Being

Forests are unique global factors which ensure life for almost every living being on Earth. They play a major role in controlling water flows, preventing erosion and controlling the oxygen content of Earth’s atmosphere. By the end of the XXth century, it was realized that forests help to nature maintain and are vital parts of our natural environment. By the time societies realized this fact, economic and environmental effects had amplified which endanger forests. Due to their good water control and water protection abilities, and their function in climate control, mountain forests can provide a suitable environment for themselves, for their successful growth.Forests play a major role in soil protection, especially in mountain areas where they prevent soil erosion. By converting surface waters into subsurface waters, forests help with the accumulation of subsurface waters, which are the sources of springs, rivers and streams. In the summer, they protect the soil from drying out by creating a special microclimate. They positively affect the climate of surrounding territories.

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