Quantifying the effect of buffer strips for pathogen removal

Abstract

Buffer strips are effective at minimizing waterway pollution. Their ability to trap human infectious pathogens, however, is largely unknown and is of utmost interest in a drinking water catchment. The aim of this research was to determine a modeling approach to quantify the reduction in pathogens attributable to the implementation of buffer strips in an agricultural catchment. To model reduction in pathogens through buffer strips, a model developed specifically for pathogens was essential. In this research, a simple lumped conceptual model known as EG was used; the model simulates pathogen fate and transport in a catchment on a continuous basis and has a hydrologic flow‐partitioning component. An understanding of pathogen movement at a catchment scale was necessary to enable buffer strip effectiveness to be incorporated into the model. A case study demonstrates the practical application and benefits of the model for drinking water quality managers.