Water quality

Abstract

Significant contributions in the broad area of water quality over the quadrennium 1975–78 are highlighted. This summary is concerned primarily with physical and chemical aspects of water quality. The diversity of subject areas within the topic heading and the large volume of published research results necessitated the selection of representative contributions. Over 400 references are cited which are believed to be indicative of general trends in research and of the more important developments during this period. Many additional citations could have been made. Implementation of existing Federal legislation and continued passage of Federal legislation have stimulated numerous aspects of water‐quality research and regional studies. Dependence of physical‐based models on actual field data or detailed projections of future conditions have imposed, in specific cases, severe limitations on the extent to which such models can be used through requirement of environmental impact statements, to potentially control much of the economic development affecting ambient water quality. Research continues to improve the understanding of the role of water‐quality information in planning and management of water‐resources systems. Increasing limitations on research and development funds have stimulated the quest for real‐problem relevance in applying models or resource‐assessment techniques and in the development of guidelines for the applicability of data and other information for realistic and understandable solutions.