Artificial Water Reservoirs Research Articles

The Circuit of Life

The problem of water availability was a pivotal facet of daily life, particularly in urban areas, where it had to be made perennially obtainable in large quantities. Thus, apart from river water, artificial water reservoirs of massive proportions, and also step wells were constructed on a great scale in most parts of the country. These reservoirs were replenished by the annual monsoons, and considerable efforts were made to manage water conservation and its supply to the city areas. European observers were struck by the remarkable architecture of these reservoirs and the role of the communities, officials, and individuals, in their construction and upkeep. Water could also become an instrument of conflict between European personnel and Indian officials; while its conservation brought to surface the rigid sociological and community problems related to the use of water.

Macrophyte Vegetation of Artificial water Reservoirs in the Krupinská Planina Mts., Including the First Record of Potametum Acutifolii from Slovakia

Macrophyte Vegetation of Artificial water Reservoirs in the Krupinská Planina Mts., Including the First Record of Potametum Acutifolii from SlovakiaResearch of macrophyte vegetation of the artificial water reservoirs was carried out during the vegetation season of 2008 in the Krupinská planina Mts. (southern part of central Slovakia). Twenty-one reservoirs were studied and twenty plant communities from the Lemnetea, Potametea and Phragmito-Magnocaricetea classes were found. Potametum acutifolii is a new aquatic community for the territory of Slovakia that was found in the reservoir near Hrušov village in intermediately deep, slightly alkaline water with a relatively low content of soluble mineral matters, a high water transparency and a silt-clay sediment on the bottom. Moisture was the main environmental gradient of the studied vegetation explained by Ellenberg's indicator values. Species richness was significantly negatively correlated with water depth. The correlation between the area of reservoirs and the number of detected plant communities was weak and non-significant. Changes of macrophyte vegetation were studied on the case of three reservoirs. Detected changes were caused mainly by human activities or water level fluctuations within the studied period.

Electrochemical Splitting of Calcium Carbonate to Increase Solution Alkalinity: Implications for Mitigation of Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidity

Electrochemical splitting of calcium carbonate (e.g., as contained in limestone or other minerals) is explored as a means of forming dissolve hydroxides for absorbing, neutralizing, and storing carbon dioxide, and for restoring, preserving, or enhancing ocean calcification. While essentially insoluble in water, CaCO3 can be dissolved in the presence of the highly acidic anolyte of a water electrolysis cell. The resulting charged constituents, Ca2+ and C03(2-), migrate to the cathode and anode, respectively, forming Ca(OH)2 on the one hand and H2CO3 (or H2O and CO2) on the other. By maintaining a pH between 6 and 9, subsequent hydroxide reactions with CO2 primarily produce dissolved calcium bicarbonate, Ca(HCO3)2aq. Thus, for each mole of CaCO3 split there can be a net capture of up to 1 mol of CO2. Ca(HCO3)2aq is thus the carbon sequestrant that can be diluted and stored in the ocean, in natural or artificial surface water reservoirs, or underground. The theoretical work requirement for the reaction is 266 kJe per net mole CO2 consumed. Even with inefficiencies, a realized net energy expenditure lower than the preceding quantity appears possible considering energy recovery via oxidation of the H2 produced. The net process cost is estimated to be <$100/tonne CO2 mitigated. An experimental demonstration of the concept is presented, and further implementation issues are discussed.

Effects of cooling water discharges from a power plant on reservoir water quality

Abstract The use of natural or artificial water reservoirs by thermal power plants for cooling purposes alterswater ecosystems. Water ecosystems are mainly subjected to the abiotic influences of higher temperature and increased mixing. This study presents the thermal and oxygen conditions in a lake used for cooling water as well as the chemical changes occurring in it. There is a spatial differentiation in the temperature of the water surface over time periods (in summer and winter). The vertical water temperature changes were definitely different from those of natural, unaffected lakes. Apart from a higher average water temperature, typical mixing and stratification periods were not observed. This apparently affected the dissolved oxygen conditions. The observed absence of a dissolved oxygen deficit resulted from the lack of a thermocline, which positively affected water quality. As a result, the two anthropogenic factors, i.e., the discharge of warm water and increased mixing, have flattened the negative effects on the lake. A new characteristic equilibrium for this lake was established. Single factors have been compensated for by this equilibrium. A relationship between temperature and biomass concentration was observed. The trophic state index (TSI) values permit classifying Rybnik Reservoir as a eutrophic lake.

10.1007/s12259-008-1015-z

The interaction of water basins and watercourses with the catchment surface in the Ob’-Irtysh catchment area is considered. The results of long-term observation of water, suspended matter, and bottom sediments in different segments of the watercourse are summarized and compared. The interaction of major and minor tributaries, natural and artificial water reservoirs with the catchment area is discussed in the context of industrial discharge of heavy metals. The areal distribution of metals along the Ob’ River is heterogeneous. The chemical composition of water in the upper reaches of Ob’ is determined by mercury and complex ore shows; in the middle and lower reaches, by catchments of major tributaries: Tom, Chulym, and, particularly, Irtysh. The Novosibirsk Reservoir purifies the water from coarse suspensions. Wetlands of the catchment enrich the main watercourse in metals and organic matter. Anthropogenic pollution from large cities (Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Surgut, and Nizhnevartovsk) additionally contaminate the watercourse. With abundance of organic matter, heavy metals are accumulated in bottom sediments and, as a consequence, in tissues of predatory fish. The results of long-term studies indicate that oil products and phenols are the main hazard for the middle and lower Ob’ River, especially at elevated water temperatures.

Organochlorine Contamination in Anuran Amphibians of an Artificial Lake in the Semiarid Midwest of Argentina

Artificial water reservoirs are important for fauna in arid-semiarid regions, because they provide suitable habitats for species that depend on water, such as amphibians. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are toxic, persistent compounds that tend to bioaccumulate and bioconcentrate. We evaluated contaminant levels in anurans from an artificial lake (Embalse La Florida) in a semiarid region of the Midwest Argentina. This lake is one of the few sources of permanent water in the area. OCPs were detected in all individuals. Levels ranged from 2.34 +/- 0.62 ng/g wet mass of heptachlors to 9.76 +/- 1.76 ng/g wet mass of hexachlorocyclohexanes. The distribution pattern of OCP was Sigma HCH > Sigma DDT > endosulfan > Sigma chlordane > metoxichlor > Sigma aldrin > Sigmaheptachlor. Contaminant levels in individuals were positively correlated with contaminant levels in the water. Burden differed between species, but not among sites differing in water contaminant levels. Results suggest that anurans may concentrate OCPs and thus provide an important source of exposure for amphibian predators. This study provides important information for potential risk assessment of amphibians in the region and contributes to our understanding of the extent of OCP contamination.

Sensibilidade intrasazonal de um downscaling dinâmico de precipitação (1971-2000): uma análise na bacia hidrográfica do Açude Castanhão-CE

Em regiões semi-áridas como parte do Nordeste do Brasil (NEB) reservatórios hidrícos artificiais são essências para acumular água no período chuvoso e suprir sua demanda por liberação no período seco. Por este fato, é importante o conhecimento da variabilidade pluviométrica na bacia hidrográfica desses reservatórios. Os resultados aqui apresentados mostram comparações entre dados observados e simulação via modelagem dinâmica para a bacia do Açude Castanhão-Ce com ênfase a escala intra-sazonal. A variabilidade interanual da precipitação intrasazonal (1971-2000) simulada pelo modelo regional espectral (MRE) tem um erro sistemático que subestima os totais observados (pentadais e quinzenais), principalmente no período de fevereiro a maio, e superestima esses totais em janeiro e junho. Entretanto, foram verificadas também maiores (menores) diferenças quantitativas nesses totais na subestimativa nas décadas de 1970-1980-1990 e 1990-2000. Para anos de constraste climáticos (La Niña, El Niño e Normais), o MRE nas escalas pentadal, quinzenal e mensal capturou com bom desempenho o sinal da anomalia relacionado à precipitação observada predominando anomalia positiva para os anos de La Niña e em torno da média a negativa para os anos Normais e de El Niño, em particular durante fevereiro a maio. Essa característica foi também verificada nos dados de precipitação observada na bacia.

Affinity and diversity indices for anopheline immature forms

As for the entire Amazon Region, malaria continues to be a major health public problem in Roraima that presented an Annual Parasitic Index of 85.4 in 2005, the highest in Brazil. Information on anopheline breeding sites is an essential component in malaria control strategies. Aiming to contribute to the limited knowledge on anopheline immature forms in Roraima, collections and breeding site observations were performed in 10 breeding sites around the capital city Boa Vista. Collections were carried out in the rainy and dry season periods between April 2004 and January 2005. Breeding sites comprised natural and artificial water reservoirs. A total of 623 immature forms were collected belonging to Anopheles albitarsis s.l., An.triannulatus s.l., An. nuneztovari/dunhami, An. braziliensis, An. evansae, An. oswaldoi s.l., An. strodei and An. darlingi. An. albitarsis and An. braziliensis were the most frequently found species. Eight larvae of An. darlingi were found in only one breeding site located in the forest. An. triannulatus/An. nuneztovari and An. albitarsis/An. braziliensis were the pairs of species that mostly occurred together. Both pair of species displayed the highest affinity index what might indicate a high compatibility for the same breeding conditions and/or a synergistic co-occurrence. Species diversity index was higher for the dry season.

Organochlorine pesticide contamination in three bird species of the Embalse La Florida water reservoir in the semiarid midwest of Argentina

Organochlorine pesticides (OCs) have a variety of acute and chronic pathological effects on animals, are persistent in the environment and are accumulated in adipose tissue of animals. In Argentina there are few studies reporting the OC contamination in the fauna. Moreover, no data are available for an ecologically relevant region, the arid-semiarid midwest region of Argentina. Recently, it was reported OC contamination in the water of an important artificial water reservoir of this area, the Embalse La Florida in the San Luis province. The present study aims to provide OC baseline data for birds of Embalse La Florida and to evaluate the potential risk of OC contamination for the local avifauna. We selected two fish-eating species, Podiceps major (great grebe) and Phalacrocorax brasilianus (neotropic cormorant) and one omnivore species, Pitangus sulphuratus (great kiskadee) to evaluate OC contamination. Alpha-, beta-, delta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (SigmaHCH), p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE and methoxychlor (SigmaDDT), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and endosulfan (SigmaALD) and, cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide(SigmaCHL) were measured in adipose tissue of two male great grebes, six neotropic cormorant (3 of each sex) and four great kiskadees (2 of each sex). We detected all OC pesticides assayed [SigmaHCH range: ND to 3168.41 ng/g fat, SigmaCHL range: ND to 4961.66 ng/g fat, SigmaALD range: 287.07 to 9161.70 ng/g fat, SigmaDDT range: 1068.98 to 6479.84 ng/g fat], with the exception of p,p'-DDT. Summed OC concentration in all bird species ranged from 2684.91 to 19231.91 ng/g fat. The omnivore had significantly greater concentrations of SigmaCHLs than fish-eating species. Females of the neotropic cormorant had significantly higher amounts of SigmaHCH and SigmaCHL than males. The OC concentrations detected in birds were lower than those reported in the literature that are associated with deleterious effects on survival or reproduction in others species of birds. This study is the first report of OC contamination in birds of the midwest region of Argentina and constitutes a starting point for future studies that evaluate temporal changes of OCs in birds in this region.

Decreased Silica Land–sea Fluxes through Damming in the Baltic Sea Catchment – Significance of Particle Trapping and Hydrological Alterations

We tested the hypothesis that reservoirs with low water residence time and autochtho nous production influence river biogeochemistry in eutrophied river systems draining cultivated watersheds. The effect of a single artificial water reservoir and consecutive reservoirs on silica (Si) river fluxes is exemplified by the moderately dammed Vistula River and the heavily regulated Daugava River that are compared with the practically undammed Oder River. The sum of the discharge weighted annual mean biogenic silica (BSi) and dissolved silicate (DSi) concentrations in the rivers Oder, Vistula and Daugava were about 160 ,uM (40 + 120 ,uM), 150 ,uM (20 + 130 ,uM) and 88 ,uM (6 + 82 ,uM), respectively. Assuming BSi and DSi concentrations as observed in the Oder River as typical for eutrophied but undammed rivers, complete trapping of this BSi could have lowered Si fluxes to the Baltic Sea from rivers with cultivated watersheds by 25%. The superim posed effect of hydrological alterations on reduced Si land-sea fluxes is demonstrated by studies in the boreal/subarctic and oligotrophic rivers Kalixdlven and Luealven. The DSi yield of the heavily dammed Luledlven (793 kg km-2 yr-1) constituted only 63% of that was found in the unregulated Kalixdlven (1261 kg km-2 yr-1), despite the specific runoff of the Lulealven (672 mm m-2 yr-1) being 19% higher than that of theKalixalven (563 mm m-2 yr-'); runoff normalized DSi yield of the former, regulated watershed, was only half the DSi yield of the latter, unperturbed watershed. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized here that perturbed surface water-groundwater inter actions are the major reasons for the reduced annual fluctuations in DSi concentrations as also seen in the heavily dammed and eutrophic river systems such as the Daugava and Danube.

Water quantity and quality dynamics of the THC — Tuyamuyun Hydroengineering Complex — And implications for reservoir operation

In the Aral Sea basin, safe water resources are scarce and steadily becoming scarcer. Particularly high quality water is going to become a rare good. The object of the study was the Tuyamuyun Hydroengineering Complex (THC), a complex of artificial water reservoirs located in the lower Amu Darya River, which provides water for irrigation, industry, and drinking for the lower Amu Darya region. The focus was on operation of one of its four reservoirs, the Kaparas, which is mainly used for drinking water supply. The objective includes the investigation of impacts of conventional operation schemes on the reservoir water quality for improving drinking water quality (salinity). Basic operation rules for Kaparas, which can be considered as representative for conventional dam operation under dry year conditions, had to be identified and improved operation schemes derived. Existing data archives were analysed, and further data were acquired from field surveys, data processing and modelling studies. Historical data were identified, which are appropriate to determine representative schemes for the conventional operation. For the simulation of time-dependent and depth-dependent changes of reservoir salinisation, the reservoir water quality model Lac was used and linked with the THC model. Modelling results for the simulation of temperature dynamics and density stratification showed a sufficient congruence with the measured temperature profiles. The conformity of measured and calculated salt concentration is basically ensured. The reservoir, which fill with higher saline water at the end of the summer, aggravates the entrainment of high saline water in the entire water column. The current conventional operation regime mainly leads to filling the Kaparas reservoir with high saline water during the winter months. Even in the event of starting with comparable low salinity levels, the simulation demonstrates the rapid deterioration of the reservoir water quality. Under dry year conditions, the WHO standards for drinking water will be exceeded by 30% after two years, so that the impact of dry years in the context of water stress becomes visible. Processed data and results are now available to identify enhanced reservoir operation strategies for salinity reduction by changing the period of reservoir filling and release, as well as to initiate a detailed analysis of how water deficits in dry years may be reduced by improved operation regimes. Using adapted and enhanced operation rules for THC reservoirs, the local population within the lower Aral Sea basin might be supplied with more potable water of higher quality in future.

On the Climate Impact of the Local Circulation in the Itaipu Lake Area

The impact of the Itaipu Lake on the climate and local circulation is investigated here using the meteorological information available in the area. The Itaipu Lake is an artificial water reservoir of 1460 km2 (approximately 170 km by 7.5 km), formed in 1982 as part of the Itaipu Power Plant. It is situated on the Brazil-Paraguay frontier, in the central portion of Parana River Valley. The analysis of the available meteorological data (air and water temperatures, air relative humidity, precipitation and radiosonde soundings) provides observational evidences supporting the hypothesis that the Itaipu Lake presence has an important impact in the local circulation, inducing a local circulation with lake breeze characteristics showing horizontal wind divergence over the lake during daytime and convergence during nighttime. From the regional point of view, the Itaipu Lake formation has reduced the thermal amplitude of the diurnal air temperature cycle. The precipitation data, investigated here, has not indicated any systematic effect associated to the lake formation. The reason for the apparent inconsistency is that others phenomena (e.g., valley-mountain circulation and El Nino events) could be masking the impact of the lake formation on the rain deficit in the region.

A review of recent studies of triggered earthquakes by artificial water reservoirs with special emphasis on earthquakes in Koyna, India

Triggering of earthquakes by filling of artificial water reservoirs is known for over six decades. As of today, over 90 sites have been globally identified where earthquakes have been triggered by filling of water reservoirs. The question of earthquakes triggered by artificial reservoirs has been addressed and reviewed in a number of papers and books. In the present review, the book “Reservoir-Induced Earthquakes” by Gupta [Gupta, H.K., 1992. Reservoir-Induced Earthquakes. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 364 pp.], which contains all the necessary information on this topic till 1990, has been taken as the base. An effort has been made to add information on this important topic gathered over the last 10 years. Koyna, India continues to be the most significant site of artificial-water-reservoir-triggered earthquakes. During 1990s, two events exceeding M 5 and several smaller events occurred in the vicinity of Koyna, and recently impounded Warna Reservoir. Detailed studies have addressed the relocation of earthquakes, stress drop, nucleation, migration and other important aspects of these earthquakes. In a unique experiment, twenty-one 90- to 250-m deep borewells have been drilled in the seismically active Koyna–Warna region and the water levels are continuously monitored. Step-like coseismic changes of several centimeters have been observed in some wells associated with a few M≥4 events. Detailed tomographic studies conducted on one of the best recorded triggered earthquake sequence at Lake Oroville in California revealed that this sequence was associated with a southwest dipping structure characterized by low velocity, while in adjacent areas, seismic activity occurs in regions of higher velocity. Similar investigations in Aswan showed that shallow activity is associated with low P-wave velocity. Several new reservoir sites that have triggered earthquakes have been reported during 1990s. The most important being Srinagarind Dam in Thailand, which had an M 5.9 earthquake and the sequence had all the characteristics of triggered earthquake sequences. New theoretical work, particularly the effect of pore fluid pressure in anisotropic rocks and its implication in triggered seismicity is an important development. However, much more needs to be done to fully comprehend the role of artificial water reservoirs in triggering earthquakes.

XRF SR technique in the investigations of elements content in aquatic vascular plants and bottom sediments

The contents of some elements (mainly heavy metals) in macrophytes and bottom sediments of Novosibirsk Reservoir were determined using X-ray fluorescence analysis with the synchrotron radiation excitation (XRF SR) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The possibility of using of the XRF SR technique along with traditional analytical methods for environmental investigations, especially for complex study of ecosystem of natural and artificial water reservoirs, was considered.

Up-to-date radioecological situation around the `Mayak' nuclear facility

An overview is given of the modern radioecological situation around the reprocessing plant `Mayak', which was constructed more than 40 years ago for the production of plutonium for military purposes. The following topics are considered: lake Karachay; artificial water reservoirs contaminated by radionuclides; solid radioactive wastes and their vitrification. Some new approaches, methods and tools developed at the Vernadsky Institute of RAS for determination of different radionuclides in various environmental samples from the impact zone of the facility are discussed. The data on distribution, occurrence forms and migration processes of 90Sr, 137Cs, 237Np, 239Pu and 241Am in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are presented.

THE DISTRIBUTION PECULIARITIES OF SOME BIOTA COMPONENTS OF THE ECOSYSTEM ON NEW WATER-ISOLATED TERRITORIES IN THE ANTALIEPTĖ RESERVOIR

Abstract In Lithuania, there are over 400 smaller or larger artificial water reservoirs where the community components of ecosystems have been changing, or even transforming, in the course of time. A continual change in structural components therein has been influencing the formation of new, often unique, communities of plants and animals. On the invasion of intense anthropogenic activities, the succession processes of different types (allogenic and autogenic, primary and secondary) have been occurring much faster there than elsewhere. Thus, dynamic investigations of the structure, evolution and development of such ecosystems are urgent at the present stage of the ecology science development in Lithuania.

Radiochemical contamination of bottom sediments of some natural and artificial lakes of Middle East Poland

An investigation of the presence of some radioactive isotopes in the bottom sediments of two lakes, Piasecmo and Magluchowskie (Middle East of Poland) has been performed. Similar measurements were done at the Zalew Zemborzycki artificial water reservoir, filled up few years after the most intensive period of atmospheric nuclear explosions. It was estimated, that the concentration of radionuclides, especially of aaificial origin was much greater in natural lakes than in examined artificial one. That testifies for an accumulation of radioactive substances on the bottom of the water tanks. The confirmation of this thesis may be the fact, that 85% of 137Cs detected in Zalew Zembor'zycki comes from Chemobyl fallout while in natural lakes this isotope amounts only to 56-60%. Other isotopes, such as 210pb, 226Ra, and 224Ra'were detected in significant amounts. The radioactivity of 239'240pu isotopes reaches 2.2-2.6 Bq/kg for the lakes and 0.7 for Zalew Zemborzycki. The 238pu to 239,240pu ratio suggests, that detected plutonium comes from world fallout.

Multielemental analysis of Novosibirsk reservoirs and some of its tributaries bottom sediments by the SRXFA technique

Bottom sediments, as pollutant accumulators, can give important and valuable information on the water quality of the reservoir in the past. The content of elements from Ca to Ba, La, and Ce in prepared species of bottom sediments of Novosibirsk reservoir's area were determined using X-ray fluorescence analysis with synchrotron radiation excitation (SRXFA). The data obtained shows that the SRXFA technique is of interest for complex investigations of season and long-term pollutants composition dynamics in natural and artificial water reservoirs.

Some problems with geosystem studies from aerospace experiment “gyunesh‐84”

Subsatellite experiment “Gyunesh‐84” carried out over the territory of the Azerbaijan SSR concentrates on the conditions of four types of geosystems which were selected as ground model sites to investigate typical natural and anthropogeneous processes such as soil humidification, salinization and soil erosion, deterioration of meadow vegetation under the effect of anthropogeneous factors and silting of artificial water reservoirs. On the basis of systematization of archive information and initial field data model representations were worked out which were specified as the experimental data were collected and interpreted. The results of scientific, methodical and practical problems solution are represented in detail for each geosystem.

Large artificial water reservoirs in the vicinity of the Himalayan Foothills and reservoir-induced seismicity

There are 11 large reservoirs (exceeding a capacity of 1 km3 and/or the height of the dam being 100 m or more) in the vicinity of the Himalayan Foothills. Nine of these have been fully impounded. Only a couple of these reservoirs are adequately instrumented for seismic surveillance while the rest have inadequate instrumentation. However, there is no incidence of reservoir-induced seismicity reported from any of these nine sites. Nonoccurrence of induced earthquakes is comprehended primarily due to the thrust-fault environment, generally prevalent in the Himalayan Foothills, which is not conducive for reservoir-induced seismicity. Nevertheless, a few normal and strike-slip faults oblique and parallel to the general trend of the Himalayas have been reported where reservoir-induced seismicity could occur. All of these dams are located in a highly seismic area where earthquakes of magnitude exceeding 7 have occurred in their vicinity in the past. Normally occurring earthquakes, therefore, pose a much more severe threat to Himalayan reservoirs than do reservoir-induced seismicity.