Influences of Catchment and River Channel Characteristics on the Magnitude and Dynamics of Storage and Re-Suspension of Fine Sediments in River Beds

Fine particles or sediments are one of the important variables that should be considered for the proper management of water quality and aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, the effect of catchment characteristics on the performance of an already developed model for the estimation of fine sediments dynamics between the water column and sediment bed was tested, using 13 catchments distributed worldwide. The model was calibrated to determine two optimal model parameters. The first is the filtration parameter, which represents the filtration of fine sediments through pores of the stream bed during the recession period of a flood event. The second parameter is the bed erosion parameter that represents the active layer, directly related to the re-suspension of fine sediments during a flood event. A dependency of the filtration parameter with the catchment area was observed in catchments smaller than ~100 km2, whereas no particular relationship was observed for larger catchments (>100 km2). In contrast, the bed erosion parameter does not show a noticeable dependency with the area or other environmental characteristics. The model estimated the mass of fine sediments released from the sediment bed to the water column during flood events in the 13 catchments within ~23% bias.

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Anticipating Sediment Bed-to-Water Column Exchanges of Toxic Organic Compounds in Naval Harbors

10.21236/ada408137 ◽

2002 ◽

Author(s):

W. R. Geyer ◽

Philip M. Gschwend

Keyword(s):

Water Column ◽

Organic Compounds ◽

Sediment Bed ◽

Toxic Organic Compounds

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Implications of sea-ice biogeochemistry for oceanic production and emissions of dimethyl sulfide in the Arctic

Biogeosciences ◽

10.5194/bg-14-3129-2017 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 3129-3155 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Hakase Hayashida ◽

Nadja Steiner ◽

Adam Monahan ◽

Virginie Galindo ◽

Martine Lizotte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sea Ice ◽

Water Column ◽

Dimethyl Sulfide ◽

Phytoplankton Bloom ◽

Model Simulation ◽

Field Measurements ◽

Sulfur Cycle ◽

The Arctic ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Ocean Ecosystem

Abstract. Sea ice represents an additional oceanic source of the climatically active gas dimethyl sulfide (DMS) for the Arctic atmosphere. To what extent this source contributes to the dynamics of summertime Arctic clouds is, however, not known due to scarcity of field measurements. In this study, we developed a coupled sea ice–ocean ecosystem–sulfur cycle model to investigate the potential impact of bottom-ice DMS and its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) on the oceanic production and emissions of DMS in the Arctic. The results of the 1-D model simulation were compared with field data collected during May and June of 2010 in Resolute Passage. Our results reproduced the accumulation of DMS and DMSP in the bottom ice during the development of an ice algal bloom. The release of these sulfur species took place predominantly during the earlier phase of the melt period, resulting in an increase of DMS and DMSP in the underlying water column prior to the onset of an under-ice phytoplankton bloom. Production and removal rates of processes considered in the model are analyzed to identify the processes dominating the budgets of DMS and DMSP both in the bottom ice and the underlying water column. When openings in the ice were taken into account, the simulated sea–air DMS flux during the melt period was dominated by episodic spikes of up to 8.1 µmol m−2 d−1. Further model simulations were conducted to assess the effects of the incorporation of sea-ice biogeochemistry on DMS production and emissions, as well as the sensitivity of our results to changes of uncertain model parameters of the sea-ice sulfur cycle. The results highlight the importance of taking into account both the sea-ice sulfur cycle and ecosystem in the flux estimates of oceanic DMS near the ice margins and identify key uncertainties in processes and rates that should be better constrained by new observations.

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The Legacy of the Idrija Mine Twenty-Five Years after Closing: Is Mercury in the Water Column of the Gulf of Trieste Still an Environmental Issue?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph181910192 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (19) ◽

pp. 10192

Author(s):

Elena Pavoni ◽

Elisa Petranich ◽

Sergio Signore ◽

Giorgio Fontolan ◽

Stefano Covelli

Keyword(s):

Water Column ◽

Environmental Concern ◽

Anthropogenic Factors ◽

Northern Adriatic Sea ◽

Northern Adriatic ◽

High Discharge ◽

Fine Sediments ◽

Gulf Of Trieste ◽

Freshwater Inputs

Mercury (Hg) contamination in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) due to mining activity in Idrija (Slovenia) still represents an issue of environmental concern. The Isonzo/Soča River’s freshwater inputs have been identified as the main source of Hg into the Gulf, especially following periods of medium-high discharge. This research aims to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of dissolved (DHg) and particulate (PHg) Hg along the water column in the northernmost sector of the Gulf, a shallow and sheltered embayment suitable for the accumulation of fine sediments. Sediment and water samples were collected under unperturbed and perturbed environmental conditions induced by natural and anthropogenic factors. Mercury in the sediments (0.77–6.39 µg g−1) and its relationship to grain size were found to be consistent with previous research focused on the entire Gulf, testifying to the common origin of the sediment. Results showed a notable variability of DHg (<LOD–149 ng L−1) and PHg (0.39–12.5 ng L−1) depending on the interaction between riverine and marine hydrological conditions. Mercury was found to be mainly partitioned in the suspended particles, especially following periods of high discharge, thus confirming the crucial role of the river inputs in regulating PHg distribution in the Gulf.

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Long-Term Simulation of Cohesive Sediment Bed Erosion and Deposition by Tidal Currents

Computer Modelling of Seas and Coastal Regions ◽

10.1007/978-94-011-2878-0_27 ◽

1992 ◽

pp. 363-378 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

C. Villaret ◽

B. Latteux

Keyword(s):

Cohesive Sediment ◽

Tidal Currents ◽

Erosion And Deposition ◽

Sediment Bed ◽

Bed Erosion

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Optimal estimation of catch by the continuous underway fish egg sampler based on a model of the vertical distribution of American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) eggs

ICES Journal of Marine Science ◽

10.1093/icesjms/fsl016 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

pp. 18-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

P. Pepin ◽

K. A. Curtis ◽

P. V. R. Snelgrove ◽

B. de Young ◽

J. A. Helbig

Keyword(s):

Vertical Distribution ◽

Water Column ◽

Vertical Profile ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Optimal Estimation ◽

Eddy Diffusivity ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Error Structure ◽

The Vertical Distribution ◽

Hippoglossoides Platessoides

Abstract Pepin, P., Curtis, K.A., Snelgrove, P.V.R., de Young, B., and Helbig, J.A. 2007. Optimal estimation of catch by the continous underway fish egg sampler based on a model of the vertical distribution of American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) eggs – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64, 18–30. We investigate how the vertical stratification of the water column (specifically density) affects predictions of the catch of American plaice eggs (Hipploglossoides platessoides) from a fixed-depth sampler [the continuous underway fish egg sampler (CUFES)] relative to the integrated abundance in the water column measured in bongo tows. A steady-state model of the vertical distribution of fish eggs coupled with a simple model of the vertical profile of eddy diffusivity (i.e. mixing) is applied. Key model parameters are estimated through optimization of a one-to-one relationship between predicted and observed catches fit, using a generalized linear model with a Poisson, negative binomial, or gamma error structure. The incorporation of data on the vertical structure of the water column significantly improved the ability to forecast CUFES catches when using Poisson or negative binomial error structure, but not using a gamma distribution. Optimal maximum likelihood parameter estimates for eddy diffusivity and egg buoyancy fell within the range of expected values. The degree of uncertainty in the parameterization of eddy diffusivity suggests, however, that greater understanding of the forces that determine the vertical profile of mixing is critical to achieving strong predictive capabilities. The inverse problem of predicting integrated abundance from CUFES catches did not benefit from the environmental-driven model because of the high uncertainty in the catches from the CUFES.

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Nitrite consumption and associated isotope changes during a river flood event

Biogeosciences ◽

10.5194/bg-13-5649-2016 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (19) ◽

pp. 5649-5659 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Juliane Jacob ◽

Tina Sanders ◽

Kirstin Dähnke

Keyword(s):

Water Column ◽

Isotope Effect ◽

Ammonia Oxidation ◽

Isotope Effects ◽

Flood Event ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Elbe River ◽

Natural Systems ◽

Nitrate Consumption ◽

The Elbe River

Abstract. In oceans, estuaries, and rivers, nitrification is an important nitrate source, and stable isotopes of nitrate are often used to investigate recycling processes (e.g. remineralisation, nitrification) in the water column. Nitrification is a two-step process, where ammonia is oxidised via nitrite to nitrate. Nitrite usually does not accumulate in natural environments, which makes it difficult to study the single isotope effect of ammonia oxidation or nitrite oxidation in natural systems. However, during an exceptional flood in the Elbe River in June 2013, we found a unique co-occurrence of ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate in the water column, returning towards normal summer conditions within 1 week. Over the course of the flood, we analysed the evolution of δ15N–NH4+ and δ15N–NO2− in the Elbe River. In concert with changes in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and δ15N SPM, as well as nitrate concentration, δ15N–NO3− and δ18O–NO3−, we calculated apparent isotope effects during net nitrite and nitrate consumption. During the flood event, > 97 % of total reactive nitrogen was nitrate, which was leached from the catchment area and appeared to be subject to assimilation. Ammonium and nitrite concentrations increased to 3.4 and 4.4 µmol L−1, respectively, likely due to remineralisation, nitrification, and denitrification in the water column. δ15N–NH4+ values increased up to 12 ‰, and δ15N–NO2− ranged from −8.0 to −14.2 ‰. Based on this, we calculated an apparent isotope effect 15ε of −10.0 ± 0.1 ‰ during net nitrite consumption, as well as an isotope effect 15ε of −4.0 ± 0.1 ‰ and 18ε of −5.3 ± 0.1 ‰ during net nitrate consumption. On the basis of the observed nitrite isotope changes, we evaluated different nitrite uptake processes in a simple box model. We found that a regime of combined riparian denitrification and 22 to 36 % nitrification fits best with measured data for the nitrite concentration decrease and isotope increase.

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Extension of the River Water Quality Model No. 1 with the fate of pesticides

Journal of Hydroinformatics ◽

10.2166/hydro.2011.028 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 48-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Veerle C. J. De Schepper ◽

Katrijn M. A. Holvoet ◽

Lorenzo Benedetti ◽

Piet Seuntjens ◽

Peter A. Vanrolleghem

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Water Column ◽

River Water ◽

Bulk Water ◽

Transport Processes ◽

Water Quality Model ◽

River Water Quality ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Quality Model ◽

Run Off

The existing River Water Quality Model No. 1 (RWQM1) was extended with processes determining the fate of non-volatile pesticides in the water phase and sediments. The exchange of pesticides between the water column and the sediment is described by three transport processes: diffusion, sedimentation and resuspension. Burial of sediments is also included. The modified model was used to simulate the concentrations of diuron and chloridazon in the river Nil. A good agreement was found between the simulated pesticide concentrations and measured values resulting from a four-month intensive monitoring campaign. The simulation results indicate that pesticide concentrations in the bulk water are not sensitive to the selected biochemical model parameters. It seems that these concentrations are mainly determined by the imposed upstream concentrations, run-off and direct losses. The high concentrations in the bulk water were not observed in the sediment pore water due to a limited exchange between the water column and the sediment. According to a sensitivity analysis, the observed pesticide concentrations are highly sensitive to the diffusion and sorption coefficients. Therefore, model users should determine these parameters with accuracy in order to reduce the degree of uncertainty in their results.

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Nematode communities from the North Sea: environmental controls on species diversity and vertical distribution within the sediment

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom ◽

10.1017/s0025315498000289 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 79 (2) ◽

pp. 253-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 86

Author(s):

Maaike Steyaert ◽

Nelia Garner ◽

Dirk van Gansbeke ◽

Magda Vincx

Keyword(s):

Vertical Distribution ◽

Fine Particles ◽

Anthropogenic Impacts ◽

Fine Sand ◽

Coarse Sand ◽

Food Sources ◽

Fine Sediments ◽

The North ◽

Environmental Controls ◽

Belgian Coast

Nematode assemblages were sampled seasonally at three subtidal stations along the Belgian coast. The stations were characterized by muddy sediments (station 115), fine sand (station 702) and fine to coarse sand (station 790). The forces structuring vertical distribution were investigated by evaluating abundance, species composition, diversity and trophic composition, and relating these to sediment composition, redox state and food sources.The nematode assemblages at the two finer grained stations (115, 702) were dominated by Daptonema tenuispiculum and Sabatieria punctata. For both species, the vertical distribution in the sediment seemed not dependent on the redoxchemistry, as former believed for S. punctata, but primarily influenced by food availability. This feature could also be recognized for Ixonema sordidum and Viscosia langrunensis, the most abundant nematodes at the coarse sandy station (790).In general, nematode diversity was regulated primarily by sediment granulometry. Coarser sediments (station 790) yielded more diverse communities compared to the fine sediments (station 115, 702), however seasonal fluctuations and variations with depth into the sediment were not obvious. At the silty stations, when the sediment column was more oxidized in March, overall diversity was higher and showed a positive relationship to the mud content which varied with depth into the sediment. This positive relation is probably explained by an enhanced deposition of organic matter associated with the accumulation of fine particles near the river-mouths. Furthermore, the higher abundance, the lower diversity and the higher dominance found at the two silty stations of the eastern and the western part of the Belgian coast, pointed to a stressed, organically enriched environment.The results demonstrate that controls on nematode community structure are complex and that information at both species and community level are required to properly evaluate the effects of natural and anthropogenic impacts.

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PROCESS WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN OPEN CAST QUARRIES AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FINE SEDIMENTS RATIONAL USE

Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories ◽

10.21177/1998-4502-2021-13-1-7-15 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 7-15

Author(s):

Johannes ANNANDALE ◽

◽

Tatiana GORBUNOVA ◽

Natalia GUDKOVA ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Fine Particles ◽

Culture Media ◽

Suspended Solid ◽

Additional Treatment ◽

Mining Operations ◽

Fine Sediments ◽

Process Waste ◽

Alternative Means ◽

Open Cast

The article provides an overview of different type of water settlement treatment systems in the open cast extractives industry and provides descriptions of the potential hazards from fine particles and suspended solid pollution as a result of mining operations, concentration and process waste management which determines that a lack of mine process utilization leads to fines accumulations in the working areas. Several solutions and alternative means are offered for utilization and re-use of settled material, consisting of fines/dust/silt components within various industries and agricultural enterprises, such as manufacturing artificial soil and culture media for the use as bio-filtration. The article also explores the potential technical, economical and legal challenges identified as well as the issues of the use of mining fines commercial utilization including taxation regimes, insufficient product specification and necessity for additional treatment of the material.

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