Assessing nonpoint source pollution risk in watersheds using a water-functioning zone approach

Abstract

A thorough understanding of the geographical and spatial attributes of nonpoint source pollution risk in watersheds is crucial for conducting nonpoint source pollutant studies and implementing effective scientific administration strategies. The inclusion of a water-related functioning zone was considered during the nonpoint source's pollution risks assessment procedure. Nevertheless, there has not been a thorough investigation into the potential risk of nonpoint sources of pollution to adequately safeguard the quality of water in watersheds having varying capacities to handle contaminants in the water. This research presents an innovative approach for assessing the risk of nonpoint sources contamination. This allows for a quantitative evaluation of the effect of discharges of pollution from a sub-catchment on the quality of water bodies nearby. The nonpoint source losses of nutrients process, as modeled by the Water and Soil Assessment Tool, had been used to assess the hazard of nonpoint source contamination in Le ‘a River Watersheds. This assessment happened on both yearly and monthly scales. The findings indicated that the risk of nonpoint source contamination exhibits both seasonal and regional variations and is significantly impacted by the ability of the fluid ecosystem. Elevated nonpoint sources pollutants do not always equate to elevated pollutant dangers. On the other hand, a small amount of nutrients in the nonpoint sources does not indicate an insignificant degree of susceptibility to region risk. Furthermore, by utilizing a risk assessment method that considers the capacity of the water's environment, it is possible to identify variations in risk levels that may be overlooked when solely considering nonpoint sources contaminant losses, and fluid functioning zone. This approach allows for precise regulation of nonpoint sources of pollution administration.