Assessing agricultural non-point source pollution loads in typical basins of upper Yellow River by incorporating critical impacting factors

Abstract

Phosphorus and nitrogen pollutions from agricultural non-point source put heavy burden on water environment. Total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) are important pollutants in the study of agricultural non-point source pollution. This study presents a technical system that accurately calculated the coefficient of pollutants (TN, NH3-N and TP) entering water to grasp the situation of agricultural non-point source pollution. The system used for coefficient calculation is based on a main framework of driving factor-transmission factor-infiltration factor-interception factor, incorporating critical impacting factors including rainfall, topography, surface runoff, underground runoff, and interception factors. The coefficient was calculated by selecting typical units and extrapolated to the main stream area of the upper reaches of the Yellow River. Our study provides reference and practical basis for the development and application of coefficient model. It provides enlightenment for the calculation of agricultural non-point source pollutants.