1
|
Singh PK, You R, Chen Q. Assessment of longitudinal dispersion and flow resistance near floodplains through riparian woodlands. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 364:121298. [PMID: 38878584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Riparian woodlands prevent bank erosions, recycle minerals, sustain biodiversity, act as flow resistance on floodplains, and filter pollutants. The emergent trees characterize woodlands with different spacing arrangements that dictate flow resistance and longitudinal dispersion of the pollutants in compound channel flow. The single- and multistage compound channels exist in urban and natural watercourses with riparian and transplanted trees on different stages of the floodplain. This study numerically validates the planting of vegetation in lines on single- and multistage floodplains using a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation model. Post-validation, the focus of the study was to assess the hydrodynamic behavior and mixing around the floodplain and main channel section of different tested configurations. The approximation of flow structures for the various configurations of tree plantations shows stronger vortices with significant characteristic length scales for floodplains closer to the main channel. The intensity of the secondary current is higher for denser planted trees at junctions of floodplains. For higher flow events, drag force contributions for staged floodplains with trees on both stages are 45-41%, and trees on the top stage contribute 27-22% to the total frictional force budget. The subsequent investigation shows that the in-line trees geometrical configuration and spacing arrangement on the floodplain dictates flow resistance and longitudinal dispersion of the pollutants and contamination in channel flow. The results show that the overall reduction in discharge for floodplains with tree planting is 19.8-36.2% for single-stage and 10.4-23.6% for multistage compound channels. The longitudinal dispersion coefficients for each multi-zone model predict a 61% and 41% dispersion reduction, respectively, in single- and multistage floodplains with planted trees. Floodplains with denser tree spacing have a maximum zonal discharge reduction of 45% for a single-stage and 27.2% and 28.0% for multistage channels. These findings strongly suggest that the planting parameters of spacing-to-diameter ratio and floodplain geometry play a pivotal role in floodplain management from the perspective of contaminant dispersion and flood risk reduction during high-flow events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Kumar Singh
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruoyu You
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Qingyan Chen
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Littlefair M, Scheele BC, Westgate M, Lindenmayer D. The ecological and biodiversity conservation values of farm dams: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303504. [PMID: 38739606 PMCID: PMC11090361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is in rapid decline globally with agriculture being one of the leading causes. Within agricultural landscapes, some features provide a benefit to biodiversity that is disproportionate to their spatial area. An interesting example is artificial ponds-or farm dams-which can support a large variety of taxa. Here, we present a global review of farm dam research related to biodiversity conservation objectives to provide an overview of the topics, key research insights, and the characteristics of current research. We used a three-stage process to screen literature and identified 104 relevant papers across 27 countries encompassing studies of 13 different taxa. Most of the studies were short-term (less than 5 years) with small sample sizes (less than 20 sites). Of the 104 papers, 88 were focussed primarily on ecological outcomes, such as species richness or abundance, and 15 on primary production outcomes, such as crop and livestock yield, despite addressing or measuring ecological metrics. Only one study measured both ecological and primary production outcomes. Studies frequently examined how the features of dams (79 studies) and attributes of the surrounding landscape (47 studies) impact particular species and communities. Terrestrial mammals (1 study) were under-represented in the literature with macrophytes (28 studies), macroinvertebrates (26 studies), and amphibians (19 studies) receiving the most attention. Our results reveal a growing trend towards recognizing farm dams as habitats for various taxa, including amphibians, beetles, dragonflies, and other macroinvertebrates within agricultural environments. Significant knowledge gaps exist in understanding how dam age, invasive species, and effective management practices impact the biodiversity conservation values of farm dams. Future research should emphasize enhancing biodiversity by collaborating with landholders to increase habitat through strategic vegetation planning, minimizing runoff and nutrient inflow, and restricting stock access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Littlefair
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Martin Westgate
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Atlas of Living Australia, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - David Lindenmayer
- Sustainable Farms, Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Angeler DG, Heino J, Rubio-Ríos J, Casas JJ. Connecting distinct realms along multiple dimensions: A meta-ecosystem resilience perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 889:164169. [PMID: 37196937 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Resilience research is central to confront the sustainability challenges to ecosystems and human societies in a rapidly changing world. Given that social-ecological problems span the entire Earth system, there is a critical need for resilience models that account for the connectivity across intricately linked ecosystems (i.e., freshwater, marine, terrestrial, atmosphere). We present a resilience perspective of meta-ecosystems that are connected through the flow of biota, matter and energy within and across aquatic and terrestrial realms, and the atmosphere. We demonstrate ecological resilience sensu Holling using aquatic-terrestrial linkages and riparian ecosystems more generally. A discussion of applications in riparian ecology and meta-ecosystem research (e.g., resilience quantification, panarchy, meta-ecosystem boundary delineations, spatial regime migration, including early warning indications) concludes the paper. Understanding meta-ecosystem resilience may have potential to support decision making for natural resource management (scenario planning, risk and vulnerability assessments).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David G Angeler
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; The Brain Capital Alliance, San Francisco, CA, USA; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jani Heino
- Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Juan Rubio-Ríos
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), Almería, Spain
| | - J Jesús Casas
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain; Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), Almería, Spain; Universitary Institute of Water Research, University of Granada, 18003 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nsenga Kumwimba M, Huang J, Dzakpasu M, De Silva K, Ohore OE, Ajibade FO, Li X, Jingjun S, Muyembe DK, Kaixuan H. An updated review of the efficacy of buffer zones in warm/temperate and cold climates: Insights into processes and drivers of nutrient retention. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 336:117646. [PMID: 36871447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The transport of excess nutrients into freshwater systems constitutes a serious risk to both water quality and aquatic health. Vegetated buffer zones (VBZs) next to waterways are increasingly used in many parts of the world to successfully intercept and eliminate pollutants and other materials in overland flow, especially in warm or temperate regions. The major processes for the retention of pollutants in VBZ are microbial degradation, infiltration, deposition, filtration, adsorption, degradation, assimilation, etc. The effectiveness of the VBZ relies on several environmental factors, including BZ width, runoff intensity, slope, soil texture, temperature, vegetation type, etc. Among the reported factors, cold weather possesses the most detrimental impact on many of the processes that VBZ are designed to carry out. The freezing temperatures result in ice formation, interrupting biological activity, infiltration and sorption, etc. In the last twenty years, burgeoning research has been carried out on the reduction of diffuse nutrient pollution losses from agricultural lands using VBZ. Nonetheless, a dearth of studies has dealt with the problems and concerns in cold climates, representing an important knowledge gap in this area. In addition, the effectiveness of VBZ in terms of nutrient removal abilities varies from -136% to 100%, a range that reveals the incertitude surrounding the role of VBZ in cold regions. Moreover, frozen soils and plants may release nutrients after undergoing several freeze-thaw cycles followed by runoff events in spring snowmelt. This review suggests that the management and design of VBZ in cold climates needs close examination, and these systems might not frequently serve as a good management approach to decrease nutrient movement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Nsenga Kumwimba
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Faculty of Agronomy, University of Lubumbashi, DR Congo
| | - Jinlou Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mawuli Dzakpasu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Koshila De Silva
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Okugbe Ebiotubo Ohore
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster Prediction and Prevention, And Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria
| | - Xuyong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Su Jingjun
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Diana Kavidia Muyembe
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Huang Kaixuan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Obregon D, Mafa-Attoye TG, Baskerville M, Mitter EK, de Souza LF, Oelbermann M, Thevathasan NV, Tsai SM, Dunfield KE. Functionality of methane cycling microbiome during methane flux hot moments from riparian buffer systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161921. [PMID: 36739023 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Riparian buffer systems (RBS) are a common agroforestry practice that involves maintaining a forested boundary adjacent to water bodies to protect the aquatic ecosystems in agricultural landscapes. While RBS have potential for carbon sequestration, they also can be sources of methane emissions. Our study site at Washington Creek in Southern Ontario, includes a rehabilitated tree buffer (RH), a grassed buffer (GRB), an undisturbed deciduous forest (UNF), an undisturbed coniferous forest (CF), and an adjacent agricultural field (AGR). The objective of this study was to assess the diversity and activity of CH4 cycling microbial communities in soils sampled during hot moments of methane fluxes (July 04 and August 15). We used qPCR and high-throughput amplicon sequencing from both DNA and cDNA to target methanogen and methanotroph communities. Methanogens, including the archaeal genera Methanosaeta, Methanosarcina, Methanomassiliicoccus, and Methanoreggula, were abundant in all RBSs, but they were significantly more active in UNF soils, where CH4 emissions were highest. Methylocystis was the most prevalent taxon among methanotrophs in all the riparian sites, except for AGR soils where the methanotrophs community was composed primarily of members of rice paddy clusters (RPCs and RPC-1) and upland soil clusters (TUSC and USCα). The main factors influencing the composition and assembly of methane-cycling microbiomes were soil carbon and moisture content. We concluded that the differences in CH4 fluxes observed between RBSs were primarily caused by differences in the presence and activity of methanogens, which were influenced by total soil carbon and water content. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding the microbial drivers of CH4 fluxes in RBSs in order to maximize RBS environmental benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1H 2W1, Canada; Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Av. Centenário, 303 - São Dimas, Piracicaba, SP 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Tolulope G Mafa-Attoye
- School of Environmental Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1H 2W1, Canada
| | - Megan Baskerville
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 351, Boul. Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, Quebec, QC K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Eduardo K Mitter
- School of Environmental Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1H 2W1, Canada
| | - Leandro Fonseca de Souza
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Av. Centenário, 303 - São Dimas, Piracicaba, SP 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Maren Oelbermann
- School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Naresh V Thevathasan
- School of Environmental Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1H 2W1, Canada
| | - Siu Mui Tsai
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Av. Centenário, 303 - São Dimas, Piracicaba, SP 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Kari E Dunfield
- School of Environmental Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1H 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Heyl K, Ekardt F, Roos P, Garske B. Achieving the nutrient reduction objective of the Farm to Fork Strategy. An assessment of CAP subsidies for precision fertilization and sustainable agricultural practices in Germany. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1088640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Farm to Fork Strategy of the EU aims at sustainable food systems. One objective of the Strategy is to reduce nutrient losses by at least 50% resulting in at least 20% less fertilizer use by 2030. To this end, Member States are expected to extend digital precision fertilization and sustainable agricultural practices through the Common Agricultural Policy. In this context, this article applies a qualitative governance analysis which aims to assess the extent to which the measures proposed by the Farm to Fork Strategy, i.e., digital precision fertilization and sustainable agricultural practices, contribute to the nutrient objective of the Farm to Fork Strategy. The article analyses how these measures are implemented through the Common Agricultural Policy in Germany and Saxony. Results show that the nutrient objective of the Farm to Fork Strategy itself offers shortcomings. Germany offers some, yet overall limited, support for sustainable agricultural practices and digital precision fertilization. Hence, the Common Agricultural Policy will to a limited extend only contribute to the objective of the Strategy. The results furthermore highlight some general shortcomings of digitalization as sustainability strategy in the agricultural sector including typical governance issues (rebound and enforcement problems), and point to the advantages of quantity-based policy instruments.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mary-Lauyé AL, González-Bergonzoni I, Gobel N, Somma A, Silva I, Lucas CM. Baseline assessment of the hydrological network and land use in riparian buffers of Pampean streams of Uruguay. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:80. [PMID: 36342548 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10684-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The integrated assessment of stream networks and terrestrial land use contributes a critical foundation for understanding and mitigating potential impacts on stream ecology. Riparian zone delineation and management is a key component for regulating water quality, particularly in agricultural watersheds. We present a national assessment of riparian zone land uses according to stream order for the entire hydrological network in the Uruguayan landscape in Southeastern South America. We classified over 82,500 km of streams and rivers in Uruguay into seven Strahler order classes and delineated riparian buffers of 100 and 500 m, depending on stream order, covering a total of 13% of the terrestrial land area in Uruguay. Natural vegetation cover in riparian zones averaged 77% among basins, whereby natural grassland dominated first and second order stream buffers at 58% and 49%, respectively. This highlighted the importance of grasslands in headwater regions of the country. Riparian forests formed corridors along larger streams, representing a mere 9% of buffers in first order streams but reaching 46% of buffers of 6th order streams. Among the six major basins of Uruguay, we found differences in the relative importance of riparian forests and crop cover in headwater stream riparian zones, as well as differences in relative crop cover within riparian zones. Results show that streams in subtropical grassland landscapes originate in open grassland environments, which has major implications for thermal regimes, carbon inputs, and stream biodiversity. Riparian buffer management should consider geographic differences among different basins and ecoregions within Uruguay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lucía Mary-Lauyé
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fluvial, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Universidad de La República, Km 363, Ruta 3, 6000, Paysandú, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Iván González-Bergonzoni
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fluvial, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Universidad de La República, Km 363, Ruta 3, 6000, Paysandú, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Noelia Gobel
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fluvial, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Universidad de La República, Km 363, Ruta 3, 6000, Paysandú, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Andrea Somma
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fluvial, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Universidad de La República, Km 363, Ruta 3, 6000, Paysandú, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Ivana Silva
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fluvial, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Universidad de La República, Km 363, Ruta 3, 6000, Paysandú, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Christine M Lucas
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fluvial, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte - Universidad de La República, Km 363, Ruta 3, 6000, Paysandú, Paysandú, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stutter M, Costa FB, Ó hUallacháin D. The interactions of site-specific factors on riparian buffer effectiveness across multiple pollutants: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149238. [PMID: 34325145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Following decades of riparian buffer zone (RBZ) studies there remains a need to look across individual site data for collective evidence on the site-specific pollution mitigation and river water quality. We explored primary study evidence on runoff, sediment, P, N, coliforms and pesticides using complimentary styles of metadata interpretation. A quantitative assessment of pollution retention (75 studies, 474 data rows) derived relationships for retention versus width, including significant covariates of clay particle size and buffer slope for sediment, total and dissolved P. Total N and coliforms related to texture and slope but were independent of width. Other factors across pollutants were inconsistently reported. With limitations on quantitative studies a second approach examined factor significance (formal testing versus inferred; 93 studies) across source pressure, transport/physical, vegetation and soil biogeochemical factors on pollution effectiveness. The RBZ evidence showed considerable disagreement and bias in shorter term study implications on longer-term processes. Screening for stronger evidence by study number and agreement left fifteen factors informing on at least one pollutant, whereas only rainfall intensity, preferential deposition, tree planting, soil infiltration remained addressing three or more pollutants. Key messages were that: data complexities, from short-term trapping in upper buffer edges and so-called 'negative effectiveness' associated with internal recycling and/or errors in constraining mass inputs for dissolved pollutant and subsurface transport require careful interpretation; RBZ intervention and study durations were limited compared to effect times (particularly vegetation management and changing soil conditions); factors affect pollutants with particulate and dissolved phases differently and must be understood to limit RBZ pollution swapping. Buffer functioning is highly site-specific. To understand this better attention should be given to revisiting studies of vegetation management to extend timeframes, wider study of belowground (soil biogeochemical and transport) processes and studies should document site contexts across source pressures, riparian hydrological, soil and vegetation factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Stutter
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB158QH, UK; Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mellander PE, Jordan P. Charting a perfect storm of water quality pressures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147576. [PMID: 34000530 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The agri-food economy can be a significant driver of water quality pressures but the role of hydro-meteorological patterns in a changing climate also requires consideration. For this purpose, an assessment was made of a ten-year synchronous high temporal resolution water quality and hydro-meteorological dataset in Irish agricultural catchments. Changes occurring to rainfall intensity and soil temperature patterns were found to be important drivers of nutrient mobility in soils. There were links between the intensity of the North Atlantic Oscillation over the decade and large shifts in baseline nutrient concentrations in catchments. The data also revealed extreme weather impacts to pollution patterns including short periods of rain induced nutrient flux, that exceeded average annual mass loads in these catchments, and drought influences on point source pollution. These influences need consideration, and may require different mitigation strategies, as links between water quality land use pressure and water quality state in regulatory reviews. In a decade of both increased land use source and hydro-meteorological transport pressures, water quality natural capital in Ireland has faced a perfect storm. Such conditions are difficult to model and only revealed in high temporal resolution datasets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per-Erik Mellander
- Agricultural Catchments Programme, Department of Environment, Soils and Landuse, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle Environment Research Centre, Wexford, Co. Wexford, Ireland.
| | - Phil Jordan
- School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Perillo VL, Cade-Menun BJ, Ivancic M, Ross DS, Wemple BC. Land use and landscape position influence soil organic phosphorus speciation in a mixed land use watershed. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2021; 50:967-978. [PMID: 33960417 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Land use can significantly alter soil P forms, which will influence P loss in runoff. Organic P (Po ) compounds are an important component of soil P, but their forms and cycling in soils with different land uses are still poorly understood. In addition, streambanks are potential sources of P loss; P forms and concentrations in streambank soils may vary with land use, affecting potential P loss to water. This study used solution 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to characterize and quantify P in interior and streambank soils (0-10 cm) under duplicate sites from four different land uses along streams in the Missisquoi River basin (VT, USA): silage corn, hay meadow, emergent wetlands, and forest. Orthophosphate monoesters were the dominant P compound class regardless of land use or landscape position. Forest soils had the lowest Po concentrations, less labile P forms than other soils, and significantly lower concentrations of total inositol hexakisphosphates and total orthophosphate monoesters compared with corn soils. Riparian buffer zones for agricultural soils lowered P concentrations in streambank soils for many soil P pools relative to interior soils. The wetland soils of this study had P concentrations and P forms that were similar to those for interior agricultural soils and generally showed no reduction in P concentrations in streambank soils relative to interior soils. This is consistent with the role of wetlands as P sinks in the landscape but also suggests these wetlands should be carefully monitored to minimize P accumulation, especially in streambank soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa L Perillo
- Dep. of Plant and Soil Science, Univ. of Vermont, 63 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (CONICET-UNS), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina
| | - Barbara J Cade-Menun
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current Research and Development Centre, Box 1030, Gate 4, Airport Rd., Swift Current, SK, S9H 3X2, Canada
| | - Monika Ivancic
- Dep. of Chemistry, Univ. of Vermont, 82 University Pl., Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Donald S Ross
- Dep. of Plant and Soil Science, Univ. of Vermont, 63 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Beverley C Wemple
- Geography Dep., Univ. of Vermont, 94 University Pl., Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Graziano M, Giorgi A, Feijoó C. Multiple stressors and social-ecological traps in Pampean streams (Argentina): A conceptual model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142785. [PMID: 33097269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fluvial systems are particularly sensitive to changes in the terrestrial ecosystems where they are embedded, receiving simultaneously the impact of multiple stressors. The design of adequate management policies requires analyzing fluvial systems as social-ecological systems, because the decoupling of natural and social systems can lead to a severe mismatch between maintaining ecological integrity and the pursuit of human well-being. Pampean streams are especially prone to the impact of human activities because they are located in a region that provides almost half of the agricultural production of Argentina and concentrates 66% of the whole population of the country. In the present work, we conceived a general social-ecological framework that links the occurrence of multiple stressors and their impacts on ecosystem services, with changes in environmental perception of streams, which in turn feedback over institutional actions at the watershed's governance. We identified four current key drivers of the dynamics in Pampean streams: a dominant agro-industrial model for the region, a command-and-control governance regime mainly based on an engineering hydraulic perspective, the real estate market speculation of surrounding lands, and the persistence of structural poverty in urban areas. The resulting dynamics resembles the occurrence of different kinds of social-ecological traps, i.e., a highly stable but undesirable state of the system that is difficult to escape. Based on this analysis, we provide a leverage point perspective to avoid this trap. Together, this approach could be applied to other fluvial systems of the world to link the ecological and social domains to multiple stressors analysis, and to improve institutional fit for the sustainability of fluvial social-ecological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martín Graziano
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA, CONICET-UBA), and Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adonis Giorgi
- INEDES (UNLu-CONICET) and Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Feijoó
- INEDES (UNLu-CONICET) and Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Phosphorus Transport along the Cropland–Riparian–Stream Continuum in Cold Climate Agroecosystems: A Review. SOIL SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems5010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) loss from cropland to ground and surface waters is a global concern. In cold climates (CCs), freeze–thaw cycles, snowmelt runoff events, and seasonally wet soils increase P loss potential while limiting P removal effectiveness of riparian buffer zones (RBZs) and other practices. While RBZs can help reduce particulate P transfer to streams, attenuation of dissolved P forms is more challenging. Moreover, P transport studies often focus on either cropland or RBZs exclusively rather than spanning the natural cropland–RBZ–stream gradient, defined here as the cropland–RBZ–stream continuum. Watershed P transport models and agronomic P site indices are commonly used to identify critical source areas; however, RBZ effects on P transport are usually not included. In addition, the coarse resolution of watershed P models may not capture finer-scale soil factors affecting P mobilization. It is clear that site microtopography and hydrology are closely linked and important drivers of P release and transport in overland flow. Combining light detection and ranging (LiDAR) based digital elevation models with P site indices and process-based models show promise for mapping and modeling P transport risk in cropland-RBZ areas; however, a better mechanistic understanding of processes controlling mobile P species across regions is needed. Broader predictive approaches integrating soil hydro-biogeochemical processes with real-time hydroclimatic data and risk assessment tools also hold promise for improving P transport risk assessment in CCs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Stutter M, Baggaley N, Ó hUallacháin D, Wang C. The utility of spatial data to delineate river riparian functions and management zones: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143982. [PMID: 33310572 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Riparian zones of rivers are transitional environments between land and water ecosystems with distinct hydrological gradients, soils and habitats strongly related to their functioning. When these functions are intact, they integrate multi-directional processes across the land-river channel (e.g. canopy shade effects on the stream, flood inundation effects on the land) with mutual beneficial effects. In many managed landscapes these functions have been degraded. To restore them, considerable efforts have been directed over the last 20 years to understand and place effective riparian 'buffer' zones, particularly to enhance water quality and biodiversity. Since water quality targets are not easily met by current practices in many managed landscapes (as additive pressures increase), catchment managers will have to increasingly restore riparian functions to enhance aquatic ecosystem resilience to land and climate change. Targeting effective restoration within site-specific contexts requires availability of spatial data, in combinations that inform on individual and multiple functions. There are accelerating developments with spatial data, arising from increased spatial resolution of key underlying datasets, availability of soil and landcover data and increasing secondary derived attributes. Hence, a review is timely into the best practices in the use of these data for delineating riparian functions and management zones for rivers. Our review evaluates the application of spatial data and is structured around three conceptual methods of riparian delineation; fixed width, variable width by river corridor features and variable width by context of local pressures or required outcomes. We explore process representation and incorporation into management across main riparian functions (hydrological connectivity, water quality, shading, resource transfers and habitat provision). Translating spatial data into functions informs the ability to go beyond contemporary, generally fixed width approaches using basic structural components towards planning to better target functional attributes to optimise ecosystem protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Stutter
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB158QH, UK; Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Nikki Baggaley
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB158QH, UK
| | | | - Chen Wang
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB158QH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Forested Riparian Buffers as Climate Adaptation Tools for Management of Riverine Flow and Thermal Regimes: A Case Study in the Meramec River Basin. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13041877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ongoing and projected changes in climate are expected to alter discharge and water temperature in riverine systems, thus resulting in degraded habitat. Climate adaptation management strategies are proposed to serve as buffers to changes in air temperature and precipitation, with these strategies potentially providing relatively stable protection for flow and thermal regimes. Using a hydrologic and water temperature modeling approach in the Meramec River basin in eastern Missouri, U.S.A., we examined the ability of forested riparian buffers to serve as a useful climate adaptation strategy against ongoing and projected changes in climate. We developed a multi-scale approach using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrologic and water temperature models as well as a Stream Network Temperature Model (SNTEMP) with different amounts of simulated riparian vegetation to estimate streamflow and water temperature variation within the Meramec River basin under both contemporary and projected future climate conditions. Our results suggest that riparian buffers offer benefits to mitigating increases in water temperature due to shading effects; however, patterns in discharge did not vary substantially based on simulations. From an ecological perspective, the addition of riparian buffers is also projected to reduce the impacts of climate change on Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) by decreasing the number of days water temperatures exceed the thermal tolerance of this species.
Collapse
|
15
|
Natural Drying and Chemical Characteristics of Hybrid Poplar Firewood Produced from Agricultural Bioenergy Buffers in Southern Québec, Canada. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Implementing bioenergy buffers on farmland using fast-growing tree species could reduce firewood harvest pressure in woodlots and increase forest connectivity, while improving carbon sequestration, phytoremediation, stream habitats, soil stabilization and hydrological regulation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the natural drying and chemical characteristics of hybrid poplar firewood produced from bioenergy buffers, and to compare these characteristics with those of native species harvested in adjacent woodlots. In Trial A, 110 cm-long unsplit logs (a feedstock for biomass furnaces) were produced to evaluate the effect of log diameter class on firewood quality. In this trial, hybrid poplar firewood characteristics were also compared with Populus tremuloides, Acer rubrum and Fraxinus americana. In Trial B, the effect of hybrid poplar genotype and cover treatment was evaluated on the moisture content of short split logs (40 cm long). Firewood of satisfactory quality was produced on a yearly cycle for short split logs, and on a biannual cycle for long unsplit logs. Covering short split log cords with metal sheeting lowered the final moisture content (from 20.7% to 17.3%) and reduced its variability, while genotype did not significantly affect final moisture content. In Trial A, larger-diameter logs from hybrid poplar had lower element concentrations, but slightly higher moisture content after two years. A two-fold variation in N concentration was observed between diameter classes, suggesting that burning larger poplar logs would minimize atmospheric N pollution. Heating value, carbon and calcium concentrations increased following the seasoning of hybrid poplar firewood. After the first seasoning year outdoors, hybrid poplar had the highest moisture content (33.1%) compared to native species (24.1–29.5%). However, after the second seasoning year in an unheated warehouse, the opposite was observed (14.3% for hybrid poplar vs. 15.0–21.5% for native species). Heating value, carbon and nitrogen concentrations were similar between tree species, while high phosphorus and base cation concentrations characterized hybrid poplar, suggesting higher ash production. Poplar bioenergy buffers could provide a complementary source of firewood for heating in the fall and in the spring, when the heat demand is lower than during cold winter months.
Collapse
|
16
|
Small Patches of Riparian Woody Vegetation Enhance Biodiversity of Invertebrates. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12113070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Patches of riparian woody vegetation potentially help mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture and safeguard biodiversity. We investigated the effects of riparian forest on invertebrate diversity in coupled stream-riparian networks using a case study in the Zwalm river basin (Flanders, Belgium). Agriculture is one of the main pressures in the basin and riparian forest is limited to a number of isolated patches. Our 32 study sites comprised nine unshaded “unbuffered” sites which were paired with nine shaded “buffered” sites on the same stream reach, along with five ‘least-disturbed’ sites and nine downstream sites. We sampled water chemistry, habitat characteristics and stream and riparian invertebrates (carabid beetles and spiders) at each site. Three methods were used to quantify riparian attributes at different spatial scales: a visually-assessed qualitative index, quantitative estimates of habitat categories in six rectangular plots (10 × 5 m) and geographic information system (GIS)-derived land cover data. We investigated relationships between invertebrates and riparian attributes at different scales with linear regression and redundancy analyses. Spiders and carabids were most associated with local riparian attributes. In contrast, aquatic macroinvertebrates were strongly influenced by the extent of riparian vegetation in a riparian band upstream (100–300 m). These findings demonstrate the value of quantifying GIS-based metrics of riparian cover over larger spatial scales into assessments of the efficacy of riparian management as a complement to more detailed local scale riparian assessments in situ. Our findings highlight the value of even small patches of riparian vegetation in an otherwise extensively disturbed landscape in supporting biodiversity of both terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates and emphasize the need to consider multiple spatial scales in riparian management strategies which aim to mitigate human impacts on biodiversity in stream-riparian networks.
Collapse
|
17
|
Marttila H, Lepistö A, Tolvanen A, Bechmann M, Kyllmar K, Juutinen A, Wenng H, Skarbøvik E, Futter M, Kortelainen P, Rankinen K, Hellsten S, Kløve B, Kronvang B, Kaste Ø, Solheim AL, Bhattacharjee J, Rakovic J, de Wit H. Potential impacts of a future Nordic bioeconomy on surface water quality. AMBIO 2020; 49:1722-1735. [PMID: 32918722 PMCID: PMC7502645 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01355-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nordic water bodies face multiple stressors due to human activities, generating diffuse loading and climate change. The 'green shift' towards a bio-based economy poses new demands and increased pressure on the environment. Bioeconomy-related pressures consist primarily of more intensive land management to maximise production of biomass. These activities can add considerable nutrient and sediment loads to receiving waters, posing a threat to ecosystem services and good ecological status of surface waters. The potential threats of climate change and the 'green shift' highlight the need for improved understanding of catchment-scale water and element fluxes. Here, we assess possible bioeconomy-induced pressures on Nordic catchments and associated impacts on water quality. We suggest measures to protect water quality under the 'green shift' and propose 'road maps' towards sustainable catchment management. We also identify knowledge gaps and highlight the importance of long-term monitoring data and good models to evaluate changes in water quality, improve understanding of bioeconomy-related impacts, support mitigation measures and maintain ecosystem services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Marttila
- Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4300, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Ahti Lepistö
- Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Freshwater Centre, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Tolvanen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 413, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Marianne Bechmann
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Fredrik A. Dahls vei 20, 1430 Ås, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), P.O. Box 115, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Katarina Kyllmar
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7014, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Artti Juutinen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 413, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Hannah Wenng
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Fredrik A. Dahls vei 20, 1430 Ås, Norway
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Ås, Norway
| | - Eva Skarbøvik
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Fredrik A. Dahls vei 20, 1430 Ås, Norway
| | - Martyn Futter
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pirkko Kortelainen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katri Rankinen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Hellsten
- Finnish Environment Institute, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 413, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Bjørn Kløve
- Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4300, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Brian Kronvang
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Øyvind Kaste
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway
- University of Agder, Pb 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Anne Lyche Solheim
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Joy Bhattacharjee
- Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4300, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Jelena Rakovic
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7014, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Heleen de Wit
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Blankenberg AGB, Skarbøvik E. Phosphorus retention, erosion protection and farmers' perceptions of riparian buffer zones with grass and natural vegetation: Case studies from South-Eastern Norway. AMBIO 2020; 49:1838-1849. [PMID: 32930956 PMCID: PMC7502646 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus retention and bank erosion was investigated in two types of buffer zones in cereal fields in Norway: zones used for grass production and zones with natural vegetation. Farmers' views on the two types of buffer zones were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Our results indicate that the grassed buffer zones had higher levels of plant-available phosphorus and lower infiltration rates than the natural ones. Bank erosion was higher in zones with grass production than those with trees. Interviews with farmers revealed diverging opinions on the zones. Most farmers were sceptical to natural vegetation with trees, whereas farmers who had already planted trees in the riparian zones were generally satisfied. Buffer zones can have many different functions, and we conclude that a holistic approach is needed when assessing the usefulness of this measure, taking into account water quality, biodiversity and the production of food, fodder and biomass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Skarbøvik
- NIBIO - the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433, Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wu JQ, Xiong LJ, Sha CY. Removal of N, P from seepage and runoff by different vegetated and slope buffer strips. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2020; 82:351-363. [PMID: 32941176 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The migration of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) from farmland to river not only results in fertilizer inefficiency, but also aggravates water pollution and eutrophication. It is of great significance to construct a reasonable vegetation buffer zone between the river and farmland to protect water quality. By using constructed buffer strips and runoff hydrometric devices, quantitative research was conducted on removal loads of N and P in a field experiment of different vegetated and slope strips. Results showed that removal rates of TN, NH4 +-N, and TP by different vegetated strips were 2-3 times higher than the control group. The removal ratios of seepage accounted for 73.6%, 66.9%, 73.9% of total seepage and runoff in three vegetated strips, respectively. On the 2% gradient strips with Cynodon dactylon, the removal ratios of TN, NH4 +-N, and TP were 36%, 34%, 37%, which were higher than that with 5% gradient, respectively. And removal ratios from the seepage of 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% gradient strips were 71.66%, 68.14%, 64.39%, and 61.93% of the total, respectively. The conclusion can provide the basis of vegetation and slope optimization for the design and construction of a riparian buffer zone, so as to control non-point source pollution effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Q Wu
- Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China E-mail:
| | - Li J Xiong
- Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China E-mail:
| | - Chen Y Sha
- Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Combining Tools from Edge-of-Field to In-Stream to Attenuate Reactive Nitrogen along Small Agricultural Waterways. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Reducing excessive reactive nitrogen (N) in agricultural waterways is a major challenge for freshwater managers and landowners. Effective solutions require the use of multiple and combined N attenuation tools, targeted along small ditches and streams. We present a visual framework to guide novel applications of ‘tool stacking’ that include edge-of-field and waterway-based options targeting N delivery pathways, timing, and impacts in the receiving environment (i.e., changes in concentration or load). Implementing tools at multiple locations and scales using a ‘toolbox’ approach will better leverage key hydrological and biogeochemical processes for N attenuation (e.g., water retention, infiltration and filtering, contact with organic soils and microbes, and denitrification), in addition to enhancing ecological benefits to waterways. Our framework applies primarily to temperate or warmer climates, since cold temperatures and freeze–thaw-related processes limit biologically mediated N attenuation in cold climates. Moreover, we encourage scientists and managers to codevelop N attenuation toolboxes with farmers, since implementation will require tailored fits to local hydrological, social, and productive landscapes. Generating further knowledge around N attenuation tool stacking in different climates and landscape contexts will advance management actions to attenuate agricultural catchment N. Understanding how different tools can be best combined to target key contaminant transport pathways and create activated zones of attenuation along and within small agricultural waterways will be essential.
Collapse
|
21
|
Muñoz-Carpena R, Ritter A, Fox GA. Comparison of empirical and mechanistic equations for vegetative filter strip pesticide mitigation in long-term environmental exposure assessments. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 165:114983. [PMID: 31437633 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.114983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in mechanistic modeling of vegetated filter strips (VFS) have made it possible to incorporate VFS mitigation into environmental exposure assessments (EEAs). However, outside of fixed efficiency approaches, there are no widely adopted and standardized procedures for incorporating VFS quantitative mitigation into long-term, higher-tier EEAs. A source of hesitation involves the use of empirical equations for predicting pesticide trapping by the VFS. A recent study evaluated existing empirical equations and a mechanistic mass-balance approach using the most extensive field database available of VFS pesticide efficiency from single-event storms. That study concluded that an updated empirical equation (Sabbagh equation) and a mechanistic mass-balance approach performed reasonably well. The objective of this research was to study the effect of upscaling the VFS trapping equations from single events into long-term EEAs. The U.S. EPA Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC) model linked with the Vegetative Filter Strip MODeling system (VFSMOD) long-term EEA modeling framework (30 yr) was updated to incorporate the alternative trapping equations and tested VFS mitigation results under contrasting agroecological settings with varying erosion/sediment transport conditions. Differences in both acute and chronic 90th percentile estimated environmental exposure concentrations (EECs) were relatively small when comparing predictions using the four pesticide trapping equations. A global sensitivity analysis (GSA) also indicated that selection of a specific trapping equation for predicting EECs was less important than other important input factors such as the VFS length and pesticide properties. However, in terms of the percent reductions in EECs, the choice of pesticide trapping equation was as important as the VFS length. This research builds upon the conclusion of previous single-event studies that the mechanistic mass-balance and refit Sabbagh empirical equation were both valid for EEAs. The mass balance approach represents a reasonable option for regulatory agencies that prefer mechanistic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Muñoz-Carpena
- Hydrology & Water Quality, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, University of Florida, 287 Frazier Rogers Hall, P.O. Box 110570, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0570, USA.
| | - Amy Ritter
- Waterborne Environmental, Inc., 897-B Harrison Street S.E., Leesburg, VA, 20175, USA
| | - Garey A Fox
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7625, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7625, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Neidhardt H, Achten F, Kern S, Schwientek M, Oelmann Y. Phosphorus Pool Composition in Soils and Sediments of Transitional Ecotones under the Influence of Agriculture. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2019; 48:1325-1335. [PMID: 31589730 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2019.01.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Transitional ecotones such as vegetated buffer strips, stream banks, and streambeds retain phosphorus (P) in the immediate surroundings of farmland. Yet the fate of P in these ecotones remains unclear. Our objectives were to (i) test the difference in the P pool composition of soil and sediment between sites surrounded by agriculture and forestry and (ii) test whether specific P pools differ among transitional ecotones. Phosphorus pools (by a modified Hedley fractionation scheme) and the degree of P saturation (DPS) were determined in 33 soil and sediment samples from eight farmland and three forest sites. At farmland sites, total P in soil and sediment was more than twofold higher as compared to forestry sites. The proportion of labile inorganic P (Pi) and the DPS were significantly larger in transitional ecotones close to farmland. We further used normalized values for comparing the respective ecotones at the sites. The deviation of each transitional ecotone relative to the respective site average revealed that the normalized total P concentration and proportions of labile and moderately labile Pi were significantly smaller in bed sediment adjacent to farmland as compared to respective stream bank and buffer strip soil, whereas the stable Ca-Pi proportion was larger. The results reflected a decreased Pi sorption capacity in combination with Pi desorption and transfer of Pi into secondary Ca-Pi minerals in bed sediment. In summary, the influence of agriculture increases labile P pools in soil and sediment, which are then subject to a succession of dynamic processes resulting in a partial loss of Pi to the aqueous phase as well as fixation of Pi in the Ca-Pi pool.
Collapse
|