Irish Rivers Research Articles

A Water Framework Directive-compatible metric for assessing acidification in UK and Irish rivers using diatoms

Freshwater acidification continues to be a major problem affecting large areas of Europe, and while there is evidence for chemical recovery, similar evidence for biological recovery of freshwaters is sparse. The need for a methodology to identify waterbodies impacted acidification and to assess the extent of biological recovery is relevant to the EU Water Framework Directive, which requires methods to quantify differences in biology between impacted and unimpacted or reference sites. This study presents a new WFD-compliant metric based on diatoms (Diatom Acidification Metric: DAM) for assessing the acidification status of rivers. A database of 558 benthic diatom samples and associated water chemistry data was assembled. Diatom taxa were assigned to one of 5 indicator classes on the basis of their pH optimum, assessed using Gaussian logistic regression, and these indicator values used to calculate a DAM score for each site using weighted averaging. Reference sites were selected on the basis of their acid neutralising capacity (ANC) and calcium concentration, and a regression model developed to predict expected DAM for each site using pH and total organic carbon (TOC) concentration. Site-specific DAM scores were used to calculate ecological quality ratios ranging from ≥1, where the diatom assemblage showed no impact, to (theoretically) 0, when the diatom assemblage was indicative of major anthropogenic activities. The boundary between ‘high’ and ‘good’ status was defined as the 25th percentile of Ecological Quality Ratios (EQRs) of all reference sites. The boundary between ‘good’ and ‘moderate’ status was set at the point at which nutrient-sensitive and nutrient-tolerant taxa were present in equal relative abundance. The methodology was evaluated using long-term data from 11 sites from the UK Uplands Waters Monitoring Network and is shown to perform well in discriminating naturally acid from acidified sites.

Flood-routing modeling with neural network optimized by social-based algorithm

Forecasting and operational routing flood requires accurate forecasts on proper feed time, to be able to issue suitable warnings and take suitable emergency actions. Flood-routing problem is one of the most complicated matters in hydraulics of open channels and river engineering. Flood routing is the process of computing the progressive time and shape of a flood wave at successive points along a river. To get an approximate solution of the flood-routing problem, different techniques are used. This paper describes an approach to train artificial neural network (ANN) using social-based algorithm (SBA). The approach illustrates feed-forward neural network optimization for the flood-routing problem of Kheir Abad River called FF-SBA. To this end, the number and effective time lag of input data in ANN models are initially determined by means of linear correlation between input and output time series; subsequently, the weights of the feed-forward network is optimized by SBA. Optimization algorithms and statistical models like Genetic Algorithm and linear regression are compared to FF-SBA. Compared to the results of optimization algorithms and statistical models, the FF-SBA model for the Kheir Abad River in Iran shows more flexibility and accuracy.

ARE MACRO AND MICRO ENVIRONMENT AFFECTING MANAGEMENT OF FRESH WATER RESOURCES? A CASE FROM IRAN WITH PESTLE ANALYSIS.

Introduction:Oil spill in fresh water can affect ecological processes and accordingly it can influence human health. Iran, due to having 58.8 % of the world oil reserves, is highly vulnerable to water contamination by oil products.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine environmental factors affecting the management of the oil spill into one of the river in Iran using the PESTLE analysis.Material and methods:This was a qualitative case study conducted in 2015 on an oil spill incident in Iran and its roots from a disaster management approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Seventy managers and staffs with those responsible or involved in oil spill incident management were recruited to the study. Qualitative content analysis approach was employed for the data analysis. Document analysis was used to collect additional information.Results:Findings of the present study indicated that different factors affected the management of the event of oil spill onto one of the central river and consequently the management of drink water resources. Using this analysis, managers can plan for such events and develop scenarios for them to have better performance for the future events.

Assessment of Microbiological Quality of the River Damavand in Iran by Measuring Coliform Bacteria, Nitrate and pH of Water in Autumn

present study was aimed to test the water of the Damavand River in Iran for fecal coliforms, total coliforms, nitrate and pH in order to investigate the microbiological quality of this river. Water samples were collected from 10 stations along the river over a three month autumn period in 2015. Coliform bacteria and nitrate levels were examined by multiple tube fermentation method and ultraviolet spectrophotometric screening method, respectively. The values of fecal coliforms and total coliforms were expressed in most probable number/100 mL. PH was measured in the field. It was noticed that significantly (P<0.05) lowest means of fecal coliforms (191.00±29.04), total coliforms (523.33±35.19) and nitrate (2.97±0.05 mg/lit) were in station 1 that was located at the most upstream point. The downstream stations showed the highest levels of fecal coliforms (800.00±00.00), total coliforms (1600.00±00.00) and nitrate (16.00±0.01 mg/lit) as a result of domestic sewage discharges and agricultural land runoff. No significant differences found between pH levels in the stations. Nonsignificant variations were observed with regard to pH, nitrate and coliforms concentrations in the studied months at 95% confidence level. Fecal and total coliform counts were positively correlated with each other and with nitrate levels (P<0.01). There was also a positive correlation between pH and total coliform levels at 95% confidence level. Coliform levels in the stations were highly above the World Health Organization limits for domestic and recreational purposes while nitrate and pH concentrations were below this standard.

Multiple pollutant discharge permit markets, a challenge for wastewater treatment plants

This study focuses on the challenge of using a multiple pollutant transferable discharge permit market for operating wastewater treatment plants. It uses an analytical case of Sefidrud River in Iran with two checkpoints. It shows that the operating limitations for simultaneous biochemical oxidation demand (BOD) and total nitrogen (TN) removal may convert the economically optimal waste load allocation (WLA) to a framework with lack of incentives. Therefore, water quality trading (WQT) may lose its economical advantages. In this case, a third parameter, such as dissolved oxygen is recommended as an index for assigning market interactions. In spite of economical and practical success, this approach made WLA become a more complicated and uncertain policy. It was totally concluded that using single parameter WQT is only recommended for areas with small agricultural activities or lakes. Otherwise, the integrated discharged permit and reclaimed water market is proposed instead for simultaneous BOD and TN management.

Mathematical Model for Evaluating of Sediment Transport (Case study: Karkheh River in Iran)

Erosion and sediment transport are very important issues in river researches. Using of mathematical models are suitable tools for simulation of flow regime and sediment transport conditions in the rivers. Karkheh River Catchment is very important basin of Iran that located in south western of Iran. Karkheh River is third biggest river of Iran. Karkheh Reservoir Dam is one of the largest dam in Iran that is located in Khouzestan Province near Andimeshk City. In this research, we simulated flow regime and sediment transport in Karkheh River in downstream of Karkheh Reservoir Dam. Downstream of Karkheh River condition after construction of the Reservoir Dam is simulated and evaluated using the famous numerical model of MIKE 11. The study period of this research is exactly ten years, Between 2001 and 2010. The river reach is about 100 Km, between Abdolkhan Hydrometric Station and Hamidiyeh Hydrometric Station which their data were used for this investigation.The Manning coefficient of 0.025 estimated and selected to use on hydrodynamic model of MIKE 11 software and acceptable hydraulic and sediment results were obtained, the total sediment load transport methods of Engelund-Hansen and Ackers-White represent more desirable results for the different flow discharges. The results show that downstream of Karkheh River in Hamidiyeh Hydrometric Station has more sediment transport capacity.

The signature of fine scale local adaptation in Atlantic salmon revealed from common garden experiments innature.

Understanding the extent, scale and genetic basis of local adaptation (LA) is important for conservation and management. Its relevance in salmonids at microgeographic scales, where dispersal (and hence potential gene flow) can be substantial, has however been questioned. Here, we compare the fitness of communally reared offspring of local and foreign Atlantic salmon Salmo salar from adjacent Irish rivers and reciprocal F1 hybrid crosses between them, in the wild ‘home’ environment of the local population. Experimental groups did not differ in wild smolt output but a catastrophic flood event may have limited our ability to detect freshwater performance differences, which were evident in a previous study. Foreign parr exhibited higher, and hybrids intermediate, emigration rates from the natal stream relative to local parr, consistent with genetically based behavioural differences. Adult return rates were lower for the foreign compared to the local group. Overall lifetime success of foreigners and hybrids relative to locals was estimated at 31% and 40% (mean of both hybrid groups), respectively. The results imply a genetic basis to fitness differences among populations separated by only 50 km, driven largely by variation in smolt to adult return rates. Hence even if supplementary stocking programs obtain broodstock from neighbouring rivers, the risk of extrinsic outbreeding depression may be high.

Heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of Karoon River, Khuzestan Province, Iran.

Karoon is the longest river in Iran and provides water for industries located along its banks, such as metal, petrochemical, and oil industries. It is also the source of drinking water for cities such as Ahwas, Abadan, and Khorramshahr. In this study, 34 and 18 surface sediment samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The measured concentrations of heavy metals were compared with US EPA sediment quality guidelines, and the results showed that Cu concentration was above the threshold effect level (TEL) in 65.67% of the samples and Hg concentration was above the effect range median (ERM) in some samples. The results revealed that Hg was severely enriched (5 < enrichment factor < 20) and classified in very high ecological risk index category. It is the major metallic contaminant in the study area. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 11.54-117,730 μg/kg, with the mean value of 7034.55 μg/kg dominated by lower molecular weight (LMW) PAHs. The total potentially carcinogenic PAHs (∑cPAHs) in sediment samples ranged from 2.09 to 31,930 μg/kg, indicating high carcinogenic potential of sediments in the study area. The total toxic equivalent (TEQ) values ranged from 1.06 to 7228.7 μg/kg. Maximum TEQ occurred in Abadan oil refinery station followed by Khorramshahr soap factory and Abadan petrochemical complex. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis also revealed the relationships between the studied parameters and identified their probable sources.

A new habitat methodology for river environmental flow requirements

This paper introduces a new framework for habitat methodology to identify the environmental flow requirements for rivers using bioecological, hydrological and hydraulic criteria. Using the new method, the environmental flow of the Gorganrud River in Iran is calculated for all months of the year using the critical months' ratio as a guide. Although the critical environmental flow is calculated as twice that calculated by the Tennant method, the annual average outflow to the sea is only 1% more. Moreover, there are the same benefits for the two methods, including maintaining flows to the estuary throughout the year and flood risk management around 30% of the time. However, the probability of environmental flow demand in critical months is increased from 67% in the Tennant method to 100% using the new method. There are also positive significant effects on water basin management, such as an emphasis on the maintenance of environmental aspects, specifically in the spring and summer months, in comparison with the Tennant method. The Tennant method is therefore not recommended for use in defining environmental flow in the Gorganrud basin or in the north of Iran.

Assessment of Ecological Quality of the Tajan River in Iran Using a Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index and Species Traits

The objectives of this study were to assess the biological water of the Iranian Tajan River using different metrics, i.e., a Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index (MMI) and a traits-based method. Twenty-eight physico-chemical parameters, 10 habitat factors, and abundance of macroinvertebrates were obtained for 17 sites. The Shahid-Rajaie dam divides the Tajan River into an up- and downstream part, with different land uses. Eighteen metrics were used to represent four components of ecosystem quality, including tolerance (Hilsenhoff, SIGNAL), diversity (Margalef, Shannon–Wiener, Simpson, and Evenness), abundance (total number of taxa, individuals, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, EPT, and Insects), and composition of assemblages (% Ephemeroptera, % Plecoptera, % Trichoptera, and % EPT Taxa). The integrated MMI was calculated by averaging the obtained scores of all indices. In the next step, we gathered information on 22 biological traits of macroinvertebrates to evaluate whether (group of) traits could be identified that are indicative for specific or general stress. Result showed a decrease in MMI from upstream (very good water quality) to downstream (bad) due to human activities. Industrial activities like pulping and papermaking operations or sand mining in the downstream part had more effects than agriculture and fish ponds in the upstream part. A redundancy analysis biplot showed the variation between the modalities of trait of macroinvertebrates and their correlation with physico-chemical parameters in Tajan River. The findings show that traits can be indicative for different kind of stress but that more effort has to be put in gathering data sets to disentangle the effect of habitat quality, pollution, and the physico-chemical properties of high- versus lowland rivers.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00267-015-0489-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interactive approach for determination of salinity concentration in tidal rivers (Case study: The Karun River in Iran)

Abstract In this research, a perceptron artificial neural network is trained and validated by a number of observed data. Inputs of artificial neural network (ANN) are distance from upstream, discharge of freshwater at upstream and tidal height at downstream and its output is salinity concentration. Because of shortage of observed data especially in extreme conditions, a numerical model was developed. This model was calibrated by observed data. Results of numerical model convert to two regression relations. Then artificial neural network is tested by reminder observed data and results of numerical model. For improving of results of test of ANN, it is trained by genetic algorithm (GA) method. GA method decreases the mean of square error (MSE) 66.4% and increases efficiency coefficient 3.66%. Sensitivity analysis shows that distance from upstream is the most effective governing factor on salinity concentration. For case study, the Karun River in south west of Iran is considered.

Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes of Karun River (Enviromental Sources Rural and Urban) by Culture and PCR Assay

Background: Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular pathogen thought to be widely distributed in the environment. Listeriolysin O (LLO) and internalin A are two major pathogenesis factors in this bacterium. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to isolate of Listeria from different parts of the Karun river in Iran. The bacteria were identified based on cultural characteristics, biochemical tests and by PCR assay. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 water samples from Karun river (rural and urban environment) were collected. The bacteria were identified based on cultural characteristics, biochemical tests and by PCR assay. Results: From total 150 samples, twenty L. monocytogenes were isolated and identified and amplification of two pathogenicity genes: hlyA and inlA in twenty L. monocytogenes were positive. Conclusions: Detection of Listeria monocytogenes with hlyA and inlA genes suggest that these strains may have the potential to invade host cells, and consumption of water contaminated with L. monocytogenes, can cause human disease.

Comparison of Different Multi Criteria Decision-Making Models in Prioritizing Flood Management Alternatives

Recent increases in life loss, destruction and property damages caused by flood at global scale, have inevitably highlighted the pivotal considerations of sustainable development through flood risk management. Throughout the paper, a practical framework to prioritize the flood risk management alternatives for Gorganrood River in Iran was applied. Comparison between multi criteria decision making (MCDM) models with different computational mechanisms provided an opportunity to obtain the most conclusive model. Non-parametric stochastic tests, aggregation models and sensitivity analysis were employed to investigate the most suitable ranking model for the case study. The outcomes of these mentioned tools illustrated that ELimination and Et Choice Translating Reality (ELECTRE III), a non-compensatory model, stood superior to the others. Moreover, Eigen-vector’s performance for assigning weights to the criteria was proved by the application of Kendall Tau Correlation Coefficient Test. From the technical point of view, the highest priority among the criteria belonged to a social criteria named Expected Average Number of Casualties per year. Furthermore, an alternative with pre and post disaster effectiveness was determined as the top-rank measure. This alternative constituted flood insurance plus flood warning system. The present research illustrated that ELECTRE III could deal with the complexity of flood management criteria. Hence, this MCDM model would be an effective tool for dealing with complex prioritization issues.

Optimal allocation of water to competing stakeholders in a shared watershed

This paper proposes a mathematical model for allocating water to stakeholders of a shared watershed. Each stakeholder in the basin has a water demand and a water profit; however, the available water cannot meet the demands of all stakeholders. This shortage raises a conflict between stakeholders as they use a common resource. To reach an agreement between the stakeholders in water allocation, first a model was developed to obtain the highest possible profit that a stakeholder can achieve if the stakeholder is allowed to utilize as much as possible water after satisfying the basin environmental demands (flows). Then, another model was introduced which allocates water to each stakeholder such that the minimum ratio of stakeholders’ profits to their highest possible profits is maximized. It is shown that the obtained solution is non-dominated in terms of considering each stakeholder profit as an objective, which means that none of the objective functions can be improved in value without degrading some of the other objective values. The proposed method is applied to the Sefidrud River basin, which is one of the biggest rivers in Iran. The stakeholders of this basin are eight administrative provinces that compete for utilizing more water while the Basin’s water resources could not satisfy all stakeholders’ water requirements. The model’s results show that it can successfully be used for sustainable conflict resolution in a shared basin because the model satisfies the environmental water requirement in the entire basin and provides equitably the same ratio of the stakeholders’ highest possible profits for them. For the case of this study, the proposed approach allocates water to the stakeholders in such a way that they could obtain at least 65 % of their highest possible profits in average.

Waste load allocation in rivers under uncertainty: application of social choice procedures.

In this paper, a waste load allocation model is developed which can incorporate uncertainties due to randomness as well as vagueness regarding some variables and parameters. A probabilistic water quality index is also presented and used in the waste load allocation model. For any discharger of the system, different wastewater treatment scenarios are defined. All possible combinations of these scenarios make different wastewater treatment alternatives for the system. An optimization model having the objectives of minimizing total treatment cost as well as water quality violation risk is also developed for finding the optimum treatment alternatives. The uncertainty related to the upstream river flow is addressed through considering probability distribution functions with fuzzy parameters. To deal with fuzzy and random inputs, the fuzzy transformation technique and Monte Carlo analysis are respectively used, and for each alternative, fuzzy membership function of the violation risk is obtained. The optimization model only takes into account the economic and environmental objectives and does not specifically consider the stakeholders satisfaction. To consider this and help the decision maker choose a final alternative among non-dominated solutions, three different social choice procedures which focus on stakeholders priorities are employed. The applicability and effectiveness of the methodology are evaluated by applying it to the Zarjub River in Iran facing serious water quality issues. The results indicate that the presented methodology can effectively take account of priorities of various decision makers as well as economic and environmental considerations, while incorporating multiple forms of uncertainties.

Modeling and design of a 25 MW osmotic power plant (PRO) on Bahmanshir River of Iran

Osmotic energy is one of the renewable energies. This osmotic energy source is easily obtainable all over the world where river water flows into the ocean or sea. In this article, Bahmanshir River in Iran which falls into the Persian Gulf was considered as selected place for modeling and design of 25 MW osmotic power plant in PRO method. Results indicates that for a 15 year return on investment, annual increase in purchase price of electricity 10% and interest rate 6%, sale price of electricity should be 0.4117 €/KWh which is highly expensive compared to state's suggested price of electricity from renewable source (i.e. 0.09 €/KWh).In order to balance purchase and sale price of electricity, unit price of intake and outfall, unit price of micro-filtration and interest rate should be reduced 9.1%, 15% and 25% respectively and Δλ should be increase 4.3%.

Comparative evaluation with the analytical hierarchy procedure of the Kalinske, Brooks, and Toffaleti equations used to estimate suspended-sediment discharges in rivers

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the application of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the reliability of three equations used estimate suspended–sediment discharges at the Armand River in Iran. The AHP procedure was utilised to compare the discharges of suspended sediments measured at a station on the Armand River with results calculated with the equations derived by Kalinske (1942), Brooks (1963) and Toffaleti (1969). The equations were then used with the applicable coefficients from the literature to estimate sediment loads for the same periods as those calculated from the field data. A weighted coefficient was calculated from the estimated results from each equation and compared to each other and the field data. The results of the analysis with the AHP model provided an objective screening and ranking procedure with respect to accuracy, economic, and numbers of input parameters criteria.

Ecology and economics of fish kills: mortality and recovery of brown trout (&lt;em&gt;Salmo trutta&lt;/em&gt; L.) and Atlantic salmon (&lt;em&gt;Salmo salar&lt;/em&gt; L.) in an Irish river

Ecology and economics of fish kills: mortality and recovery of brown trout (&lt;em&gt;Salmo trutta&lt;/em&gt; L.) and Atlantic salmon (&lt;em&gt;Salmo salar&lt;/em&gt; L.) in an Irish river

Ecology and economics of fish kills: mortality and recovery of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in an Irish river

There is a small international scientific literature, principally from North America, on recovery of fish communities following substantial fish kill events and a smaller literature on monetary assessment of losses in such events. A chemical discharge led to over 90% loss of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) age classes in 31km of the River Boyne catchment, a major Irish salmon-producing and angling fishery in July 1997. Subsequent investigations permitted a novel study that examined both the changes in the fish community composition over time and also a monetary assessment of losses. The population structure and density of 1+ and older brown trout took four to five years to recover. The population of 1+ salmon increased substantially during the recovery period, to levels threefold higher than those recorded prior to the pollution event. Financial loss assessment was examined through ‘replacement cost’ and through consequential loss models. An examination of the monetary modelling, in the light of the fish community recovery, showed there was an ecological justification for the potential loss model used. This approach to appraisal of loss is considered to have an international relevance, in the context of ecosystem processes and the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

An investigation into the effectiveness of mechanical dredging to remove Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) from test plots in an Irish river system

The invasive Asian clam Corbicula fluminea (Muller, 1774) has established a high density and self-sustaining population within the tidal reaches of the River Barrow, Ireland. A field trial was carried out to test the respective efficacy of three different mechanical dredge methods at reducing Corbicula clam numbers by estimating changes in abundance and biomass immediately following dredging. Quadrat samples were collected by SCUBA divers before and after dredging. A maximum pre-dredge density of 17,872 individuals/m 2 and a biomass of 43.94 kg/m 2 was recorded. Three sites which supported different population density and biomass levels within the tidal section of the River Barrow were subject to each of the dredge methods. A reduction of greater than 95% biomass and 95% density was achieved at the high density, high biomass site, while an 82% biomass and 65% density reduction was recorded at the low density, low biomass site. A 74% biomass and 92% density reduction was achieved at the high density, low biomass site. The methodology and results indicate that, while dredging can achieve a large reduction in Corbicula population numbers, further research is required before this can be considered as a management tool for control of Asian clams.