FRISCO: Managing fire-induced risks of water quality contamination

Abstract

Fires can contaminate streams with fine sediments, nutrients, and ashes, threatening aquatic ecosystems and water supplies. Recent research on sediment and contaminant mobilization processes in burnt areas exists but linking mobilization with water contamination processes at larger scales remains challenging. In the FRISCO project, we argue that recent advances in understanding fire behavior and post-fire landscapes can overcome the major challenges in assessing and managing post-fire contamination risks. Links between fire characteristics and hydrologic impacts can be assessed by combining remote sensing and modeling tools with studies on fire severity and impacts on vegetation and soils. The impacts of fires on contaminant transport pathways can be assessed by combining landscape connectivity and hydrological modeling of burnt areas with field research on contaminant mobilization and transport. Overall, FRISCO researchers want to investigate the vulnerability of Mediterranean streams and water resources to contamination by fires. We hope that the results help stakeholders in the development of the best practices for post-fire contamination management.