scholarly journals Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loads in Greek Rivers: Implications for Management in Compliance with the Water Framework Directive

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1531
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Stefanidis ◽  
Aikaterini Christopoulou ◽  
Serafeim Poulos ◽  
Emmanouil Dassenakis ◽  
Elias Dimitriou
Keyword(s):  
Water Framework Directive ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Nitrogen Loads ◽  
Phosphorus Loads

Reduction of nutrient loadings is often prioritized among other management measures for improving the water quality of freshwaters within the catchment. However, urban point sources and agriculture still thrive as the main drivers of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in European rivers. With this article we present a nationwide assessment of nitrogen and phosphorus loads that 18 large rivers in Greece receive with the purpose to assess variability among seasons, catchments, and river types and distinguish relationships between loads and land uses of the catchment. We employed an extensive dataset of 636 field measurements of nutrient concentrations and river discharges to calculate nitrogen and phosphorus loads. Descriptive statistics and a cluster analysis were conducted to identify commonalties and differences among catchments and seasons. In addition a network analysis was conducted and its modularity feature was used to detect commonalities among rivers and sampling sites with regard to their nutrient loads. A correlation analysis was used to identify major possible connections between types of land uses and nutrient loads. The results indicated that the rivers Alfeios, Strymonas, and Aliakmonas receive the highest inorganic nitrogen loads while the highest inorganic phosphorus loads were calculated for the rivers Strymonas, Aliakmonas, and Axios. Concerning the temporal variation of loads, inorganic nitrogen presented a peak on March and gradually declined until October when the dry period typically ends for most regions of Greece. Inorganic phosphorus loads had the highest average value in August and the lowest in October. Thus, our findings confirmed the presence of a typical seasonal variation in nitrogen loads that follows the seasonality in hydrology where high surface runoff during the wet months contribute to higher river discharges and higher nitrogen loads from the catchment. On the contrary, high phosphorus loads persisted during dry months that could be attributed to a dilution effect. Furthermore, the results imply a clear connection between agriculture and both nitrogen and phosphorus. Overall, this work presents extensive information on the nitrogen and phosphorus loads that major rivers in Greece receive that can largely aid water managers to adapt and revise basin management plans in accordance with agricultural management (e.g., which months farmers should reduce the use of fertilizers) with the purpose of meeting the environmental targets defined by the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

scholarly journals Flood water quality and marine sediment and nutrient loads from the Tully and Murray catchments in north Queensland, Australia

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Wallace ◽  
Lachlan Stewart ◽  
Aaron Hawdon ◽  
Rex Keen ◽  
Fazlul Karim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Large Contribution ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Nitrogen Loads ◽  
Flood Flows

Current estimates of sediment and nutrient loads from the Tully–Murray floodplain to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon are updated by taking explicit account of flood events. New estimates of flood discharge that include over-bank flows are combined with direct measurements of sediment and nutrient concentrations in flood waters to calculate the loads of sediment and nutrient delivered to the ocean during 13 floods that occurred between 2006 and 2008. Although absolute concentrations of sediment and nutrient were quite low, the large volume of water discharged during floods means that they make a large contribution (30–50%) to the marine load. By not accounting for flood flows correctly, previous estimates of the annual average discharge are 15% too low and annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus are 47% and 32% too low respectively. However, because sediments may be source-limited, accounting for flood flows simply dilutes their concentration and the resulting annual average load is similar to that previously estimated. Flood waters also carry more dissolved organic nitrogen than dissolved inorganic nitrogen and this is the opposite of their concentrations in river water. Consequently, dissolved organic nitrogen loads to the ocean may be around twice those previously estimated from riverine data.

Nutrient pollution at the lower reaches of Mediterranean coastal rivers in Israel

2000 ◽  
Vol 42 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 147-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Herut ◽  
N. Kress ◽  
H. Hornung
Keyword(s):  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Agricultural Runoff ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Industrial Wastes ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Nutrient Load ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Coastal Rivers

This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the nutrient load introduced into the coastal waters by the rivers along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Measurements of nutrient concentrations (phosphate, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, silicic acid) at two or three stations along the lower river reaches (11 rivers) were carried out annually from 1990 up to 1998. Combining the nutrient concentrations with the monthly riverine discharges we assessed the nutrient load. In general, most of the coastal rivers contain high nutrient contamination level, compared to the criteria adopted by NOAA (USA) for coastal river estuaries. The high degree of contamination is attributed to extreme low natural flow combined with the discharge of domestic and industrial wastes, and with agriculture runoff. In terms of nutrient concentrations, the Kishon River is the most polluted, followed by the Soreq, Poleg and Alexander Rivers. The preliminary estimate is that the coastal rivers transport between ~2000 to 6000 tons of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and between ~250–800 tons of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) to the sea. An additional 3500 and 3000 tons of DIN and DIP, respectively, are supplied through the Kishon River. The load of the Poleg River is unknown (no discharge data) but expected to be significant based on nutrient concentration measured. The total load of the coastal rivers constitutes a major component among the other land-base point sources such as the Gush Dan outfall. Our estimate probably represents minimal values, as it does not include diffused input of agricultural runoff nor the riverine particulate and dissolved organic nutrient loads (which are unknown).

Influence of climate,geology and humans on spatial and temporal nutrient geochemistry in the subtropical Richmond River catchment, Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lester J. McKee ◽  
Bradley D. Eyre ◽  
Shahadat Hossain ◽  
Peter R. Pepperell
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
River Catchment

Water quality was monitored on a spatial and temporal basis in the subtropical Richmond River catchment over two years. Nutrient concentrations varied seasonally in a complex manner with highest concentrations (maximum =3110 µg N L – 1 and 572 µg P L –1 ) associated with floods. However, median (444 µg N L – 1 and 55 µg P L – 1 ) concentrations were relatively low compared with other parts of the world. The forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in streams varied seasonally, with greater proportions of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus during the wet season. Minimum nutrient concentrations were found 2—3 months after flood discharge. With the onset of the dry season, concentration increases were attributed to point sources and low river discharge. There were statistically significant relationships between geology and water quality and nutrient concentrations increased downstream and were significantly related to population density and dairy farming. In spite of varying geology and naturally higher phosphorus in soils and rocks in parts of the catchment, anthropogenic impacts had the greatest effects on water quality in the Richmond River catchment. Rainfall quality also appeared to be related both spatially and seasonally to human activity. Although the responses of the subtropical Richmond River catchment to changes in land use are similar to those of temperate systems of North America and Europe, the seasonal patterns appear to be more complex and perhaps typical of subtropical catchments dominated by agricultural land use.

scholarly journals Variaciones espacio-temporales de nutrientes y grado de eutrofización en aguas de los Golfos de Ana María y Guacanayabo, Cuba

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Betanzos Vega ◽  
Yuliesky Garcés Rodríguez ◽  
Gilma Delgado Miranda ◽  
María Aurora Pis Ramírez
Keyword(s):  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
Horizontal Distribution ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Total Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Oceanographic Variables ◽  
Mean Concentration ◽  
Southeastern Region

A partir de nueve muestreos efectuados en meses lluviosos del 2009 en aguas de los golfos de Ana María y Guacanayabo, región suroriental de Cuba, se realizaron comparaciones (ANOVA) entre ambos golfos de concentración de sustancias nutrientes y otras variables oceanográficas, así como se estimó el grado de eutrofia y se confeccionaron cartas de distribución horizontal del índice de eutrofización del nitrógeno total inorgánico y el fósforo inorgánico. Se analizaron las variaciones de la concentración media de nutrimentos en tres periodos diferentes (1972-1973, 1988-1991 y 2009). Entre ambos golfos, se encontró diferencia significativa (P < 0.05) en la salinidad, el fósforo inorgánico y los silicatos. La distribución espacial del índice de eutrofización del nitrógeno total inorgánico y del fósforo inorgánico mostró gradientes que disminuyeron a medida que se incrementó la distancia a la costa. El Golfo de Guacanayabo presentó una mayor distribución y extensión de valores mesotróficos y características menos halinas que el Golfo de Ana María, con índice de eutrofización del nitrógeno total inorgánico de 3.05, superior al del Golfo de Ana María (2.99); el fosforo inorgánico mostró un índice de 2.80 en el Golfo de Guacanayabo, mayor que en el Golfo de Ana María (2.57). En el análisis por períodos, en ambos golfos las concentraciones medias de nitrógenos oxidados (NOx) disminuyeron en 2009 con respecto al periodo 1988-1991, el fósforo inorgánico mostró tendencia al incremento, mientras que los silicatos mostraron un decrecimiento escalonado desde 1972-73. Abstract Nutrient concentrations and other oceanographic variables were compared (ANOVA) between the Gulfs of Ana María and Guacanayabo in the Southeastern region of Cuba based on nine samples taken during the rainy months in 2009. In addition, the degree of eutrophication was estimated, and horizontal distribution charts were prepared for the eutrophication index of total inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. The variations of the mean concentration of nutrients were analyzed for three different periods (1972-1973, 1988-91, and 2009). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in salinity, inorganic phosphorus and silicate between the two gulfs. The spatial distribution of the eutrophication index of total inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus showed gradients that decreased as distance to the coast increased. The Gulf of Guacanayabo showed greater distribution and extension of mestrophic values, less haline characteristics, and higher eutrophication index of total inorganic nitrogen (3.05) than the Gulf of Ana María (2.99). The inorganic phosphorus also showed a higher mean rate in relation with the Ana María Gulf (2.57). In the analysis by periods for both gulfs, the mean concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) decreased in 2009 compared to the 1988-1991 period, the inorganic phosphorus showed an increasing trend, while silicate showed a stepwise decrease from 1972-1973.

scholarly journals Nutrient Atmospheric Deposition on Utah Lake: A Comparison of Sampling and Analytical Methods

Hydrology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Seth Michael Barrus ◽  
Gustavious Paul Williams ◽  
A. Woodruff Miller ◽  
M. Brett Borup ◽  
LaVere B. Merritt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Deposition ◽  
Nutrient Loading ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Dissolve Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
Total Load ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Utah Lake ◽  
Collection Methods

We describe modified sampling and analysis methods to quantify nutrient atmospheric deposition (AD) and estimate Utah Lake nutrient loading. We address criticisms of previous published collection methods, specifically collection table height, screened buckets, and assumptions of AD spatial patterns. We generally follow National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) recommendations but deviate to measure lake AD, which includes deposition from both local and long-range sources. The NADP guidelines are designed to eliminate local contributions to the extent possible, while lake AD loads should include local contributions. We collected side-by-side data with tables at 1 m (previous results) and 2 m (NADP guidelines) above the ground at two separate locations. We found no statistically significant difference between data collected at the different heights. Previous published work assumed AD rates would decrease rapidly from the shore. We collected data from the lake interior and show that AD rates do not significantly decline away from the shore. This demonstrates that AD loads should be estimated by using the available data and geostatistical methods even if all data are from shoreline stations. We evaluated screening collection buckets. Standard unscreened AD samples had up to 3-fold higher nutrient concentrations than screened AD collections. It is not clear which samples best represent lake AD rates, but we recommend the use of screens and placed screens on all sample buckets for the majority of the 2020 data to exclude insects and other larger objects such as leaves. We updated AD load estimates for Utah Lake. Previous published estimates computed total AD loads of 350 and 153 tons of total phosphorous (TP) and 460 and 505 tons of dissolve inorganic nitrogen (DIN) for 2017 and 2018, respectively. Using updated collection methods, we estimated 262 and 133 tons of TP and 1052 and 482 tons of DIN for 2019 and 2020, respectively. The 2020 results used screened samplers with lower AD rates, which resulted in significantly lower totals than 2019. We present these modified methods and use data and analysis to support the updated methods and assumptions to help guide other studies of nutrient AD on lakes and reservoirs. We show that AD nutrient loads can be a significant amount of the total load and should be included in load studies.

scholarly journals Effects of Load Reductions on Phosphorus Concentrations in a Baltic Estuary—Long-Term Changes, Seasonal Variation, and Management Implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-43
Author(s):  
Jakob Walve ◽  
Maria Sandberg ◽  
Ragnar Elmgren ◽  
Christer Lännergren ◽  
Ulf Larsson
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Spring Bloom ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
P Concentration ◽  
Source Contributions ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Autumn And Winter

AbstractNutrient concentrations in coastal waters are influenced not only by land runoff, point sources, and water exchange with the sea but are also modified by settlement to and release from sediments. This complicates evaluation of measures to reduce nutrient loads. We used a mass-balance box model to calculate long-term (1968–2015) and seasonal source contributions to phosphorus (P) concentrations and cycling in the stratified Stockholm inner archipelago (IA), Baltic Sea. A drastic reduction of sewage P loads in the early 1970s reduced sewage from the major to a minor P source. Further P load reductions in the 1990s cut the direct contribution from the sewage point sources to the annual mean surface water P concentration from 10 μg l−1 (25%) to < 4 μg l−1 (12%). The largest contributions to the surface water P concentration are now (from 1996) inflowing seawater (37%), freshwater (25%), and P recycling from sediments below 20 m depth (26%). Variations in freshwater flushing give higher P concentrations in dry years, when dilution of P inputs from sediments and sewage is small, while in wet years, these inputs are greatly diluted. Source-partitioned phosphate uptake shows that the spring bloom is fueled mainly by P of seawater and freshwater origin, while the contribution from sewage point sources is minor. Since sediment P release is mostly recycled P from the settled spring bloom, the P inputs from seawater and freshwater are now the major drivers of the IA P cycle. Recycling of P from sediments boosts surface water P concentrations in autumn and winter, affecting management target concentrations.

Nutrients in Australian tropical rivers: changes with agricultural development and implications for receiving environments

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon E. Brodie ◽  
Alan W. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Tropical Rivers ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Material Transport ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
North East ◽  
The North

In tropical Australia, intensive studies of river suspended sediment (SS) and nutrient dynamics have been restricted to streams on the north-east coast between the Fitzroy and Normanby Rivers (Queensland), Magela Creek/East Alligator River (Northern Territory) and the Ord River (Western Australia). Historical conditions in these rivers were probably characterised by low–moderate SS concentrations and low concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in flow events. Introduction of agriculture has transformed SS and nutrient dynamics. Grazing has led to soil erosion and increased SS and particulate nutrient concentrations and fluxes in event flows. Fertilised cropping has increased nutrient inputs to catchments, where it forms a substantial proportion of the catchment area. Consequently, both particulate and dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations and fluxes have increased. Australian tropical rivers have episodic flows, with most material transport occurring during large flow events. The restricted period of these highly energetic flows means little trapping of materials in waterways occurs. Loads are transported efficiently downstream and processes such as denitrification and in-channel sedimentation may be of limited importance. Owing to excessive nutrient inputs associated with agriculture, a number of northern freshwater, estuarine and coastal ecosystems are now eutrophic. Continued development, especially fertilised cropping, without adequate management of nutrient losses is likely to exacerbate these problems.

The Annual Variations of Major Nutrients and Assessments about Environmental Impacts of Xiangshan Bay East China Sea

2013 ◽  
Vol 316-317 ◽  
pp. 395-399
Author(s):  
Gen Hai Zhu ◽  
Jian Qian ◽  
Li Hong Chen ◽  
Mao Jin ◽  
Jing Jing Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
East China Sea ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
East China ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
China Sea ◽  
Annual Variations ◽  
Xiangshan Bay ◽  
Major Nutrients

The 30 years’ annual variations of major nutrients dissolved inorganic nitrogen(DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus(DIP) in Xiangshan Bay East China Sea between 1982 and 2011 were reported. The results showed that the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients increased year by year, consistent with the trend of nitrogen and phosphorus consumption in our country. Inorganic nitrogen was the main pollutant, then was inorganic phosphorus in Xiangshan harbor. The annual average change of DIN ranged from 0.21 to 0.76 mg∙dm-3 while DIP ranged from 0.018 to 0.054 mg∙dm-3. And the change trend of DIN and DIP was as following: winter > autumn > summer > spring. The DIN and DIP in Xiangshan horbor exceeded the standard limits greatly, the water quality in culture areas exceeded national criteria for sea water Level IV and most water qualities were inferior Level IV.

scholarly journals Epizoon microalgae of the cultivated mollusk Мytilus galloprovincialis Lam. 1819, phytoplankton, hydrological and hydrochemical characteristics in the mussel-and-oyster farm area (Sevastopol, Black Sea)

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 67-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. I. Ryabushko ◽  
N. V. Pospelova ◽  
D. S. Balycheva ◽  
N. P. Kovrigina ◽  
O. A. Troshchenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Organic Nitrogen ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
Subsurface Water ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Hydrochemical Characteristics ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Oyster Farm

In mollusk cultivation areas large amount of biomass and metabolites is accumulated. For this reason, biological monitoring in the farming areas, which includes study of microalgae as environmental quality indicators, is of considerable importance. Samples of mussels harvested from collectors at 6 m depth over the period February 2015 – March 2016 have been utilized for studying epizoon microalgae residing on mollusk shells. At the same time, sea water at depths of 0 and 6 m was sampled for determining phytoplankton and hydrochemical parameters of environment in the mussel-and-oyster farm area. Dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand after five days of incubation in the dark (BOD5), alkaline permanganate oxidizability, silicates, organic and inorganic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus have been quantified in the water samples using conventional methods. In the epizoon of the mussel shells, 108 taxa of microalgae of four phyla have been identified: 3 species of Сyanoprokaryota, 6 of Dinophyta, 6 of Haptophyta and 93 of Bacillariophyta. The maximum values of the species richness (26) and abundance of microalgae were observed in February (74,78·103 cells·cm-2, t = 9,7 °C) and April 2015 (62,0·103 cells·cm-2, t = 10,3 °C), as well as in January 2016 (65,1·103 cells·cm-2, t = 9,5 °C). The highest biomass was registered in August (0,272 mg·cm-2, t = 25,5 °C). The main contribution to the total abundance was made by the diatoms Tabularia fasciculata while Navicula ramosissima, and cyanobacteria were prevalent in the total biomass. In phytoplankton at the depths of 0 and 6 m, 135 taxa belonging to eight phyla have been found: 2 species of Cyanoprokaryota, 47 of Acillariophyta, 57 of Inophyta, 17 of Haptophyta, 5 of Chlorophyta, 2 of Euglenophyta, 3 of Cryptophyta and 2 of Chrysophyta. The genus Chaetoceros dominated by the number of diatoms species (18). In terms of abundance and biomass, the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans and haptophyte Emiliania huxleyi were dominant. The maximum abundance (370·107 cells·m-3) and biomass (7560 mg·m-3) of the phytoplankton were observed in spring and autumn. In total, 213 of microalgae taxa have been identified in the phytoplankton and mussel shell epizoon, with 30 ones being common for both. Furthermore, 26 potentially toxic species and 24 indicator species have been determined, among which 26 ones are betamesosaprobionts, the indicators of moderate level of water pollution. Thermohaline characteristics of water in the mollusk farm area did not exceed those of the long-term observations. At all horizons, the oxygen content was at the level of 93–125 % of saturation. The sea water oxidizability did not exceed the maximum permissible level established by fishery standards. The concentration of nutrients was high with a large fluctuation range, which indicates anthropogenic impact on the water area. The values of the total inorganic nitrogen-to-phosphorus and silicon-to-phosphorus ratios suggested nitrogen and silicon limitations for the microalgae community development from July to December. The mussel epizoon microalgae abundance strongly correlated with water temperature and dissolved oxygen, and a strong correlation of the biomass with inorganic phosphorus was observed, too. Moderate correlations were also found with inorganic phosphorus and organic nitrogen. For the phytoplankton, moderate correlations of abundance with hydrological and hydrochemical characteristics were identified: with nitrates in the surface layer and with temperature, dissolved oxygen, and organic nitrogen in the subsurface water layer. The phytoplankton biomass moderately correlated with the silicate concentration. The hydrological and hydrochemical structure of sea water, especially in the mollusk farming areas, affected species composition and quantitative characteristics of planktonic and benthic microalgae communities.

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