Abstract
Changes in land cover throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, accompanied by variability in climate patterns, can impact runoff and water quality. A study was conducted using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the James River watershed in Virginia, the southernmost tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, from 1986 to 2018, in order to evaluate factors that affect water quality in the river. This research focuses on statistical analysis of land use, precipitation, and water quality indicators. Land cover changes derived from satellite imagery and geographic information system (GIS) tools were compared with water quality parameters throughout that timeframe. Marked decreases in forest land cover were observed throughout the watershed, as well as increased residential development. Our findings suggest strong links between land cover modification, such as residential development, and degraded water quality indicators such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. In addition, we note direct improvements in water quality when forest land areas are preserved throughout the watershed.
Highlights
The James River, a 348-mile-long waterway with headwaters in the western mountains of Virginia [1] runs through the width of the state and empties into the Chesapeake Bay as one of its 5 largest tributaries [2]
The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model configures the watershed into hydrologic response units (HRUs) in order to route the flow through the watershed [5]
Given the variation in nomenclature, for this project the land use categories were grouped into five classes in order to encompass the highest percentage of area
Summary
The James River, a 348-mile-long waterway with headwaters in the western mountains of Virginia [1] runs through the width of the state and empties into the Chesapeake Bay as one of its 5 largest tributaries [2]. An estimated 4 million people rely on the James River for drinking water and recreational activities, as well as residential, industrial, commercial, and military infrastructure [1]. The Chesapeake Bay, the USA’s largest estuary, supports thousands of animal and plant species, as well as the approximately 18 million people who live in its watershed [3]. Contaminants from residential, agricultural, and industrial sources, as well as the transportation sector, can work their way directly into the hydrosphere. These include fertilizer and animal manure from food production, power plant discharges, sewage, mining, and industrial contaminants
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