Water Quality In Small Streams Research Articles

Vegetation Affecting Water Quality in Small Streams: Case Study in Hemiboreal Forests, Latvia

Riparian forests are important ecosystems located along the margins of freshwaters. Riparian zones provide many ecosystem services, such as nutrient modification, erosion and temperature control, leading to improvements in water quality in adjacent water ecosystems. In many areas, riparian forest management is restricted to improve adjacent water quality. The potential influence of forest management on water quality of small streams was assessed by analysing species composition and structural diversity in riparian forests. We collected data in riparian forests along 15 streams in the eastern Baltics (Latvia) with different water quality classes. We used detrended correspondence analysis and indicator species’ analysis to determine relationships between woody plants and understory vegetation. We also used ADONIS and ANOSIM analysis to determine possible factors that affect species composition. Our results suggested that water quality is affected by ground vegetation, which in turn was altered by stand density and total yield. Site-specific decision making in management is required in riparian forests to ensure the required conditions in the streams, because species composition differs between sites, dominant tree species and stand parameters (density, total yield, stand age). Introduction of Betula pubescens Ehrh. in coniferous stands is favourable to ensure litter fall quality and provide shade for streams during summer.

Association between unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development and water quality in small streams overlying the Marcellus Shale

AbstractUnconventional oil and gas (UOG) development has increased dramatically in the Marcellus Shale region over the past decade, and there is widespread public concern about the potential effect...

Application of Artificial Neural Network For Defining The Water Quality in The River

Predicting point and nonpoint source runoff of dissolved and suspended materials into their receiving streams is important to protecting water quality. Therefore, it is important to monitoring the condition of river water quality. The purpose of this study is to predict water quality in small streams using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The study focuses on small stream in tributary of Brantas River. The variables of interest are dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH and temperature (T). To validate the performance of the trained ANN, it was applied to an unseen data set from a station in the region. The result show that the prediction of DO is 6.03 mg/litre, pH is 6,47 mg/litre and temperature is 25.18°. With the relatively error was 15.63%, 12.64% and 14.12% respectively. It was finally concluded that ANN models are capable of simulating the water quality parameters.

Temporal and Spatial Variations in Total Suspended and Dissolved Solids in the Upper Part of Manoa Stream, Hawaii

Hawaiian watersheds are small, steep, and receive high intensity rainfall events of non-uniform distribution. These geographic and weather patterns result in flashy streams of strongly variable water quality even within various stream segments. Total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were used to investigate the variability in water quality in the upper part of Manoa Stream in Honolulu, Hawaii. With a few interruptions, water samples were taken on a daily basis between September 2005 and June 2006. The samples were analyzed for TSS and TDS, and varied from almost 0 to 724 and to 302 mg L-1, respectively. During the raining season (October through March) TSS and TDS were more variable, and TSS was higher than in the dry season (April through June). No relation was observed between TSS and TDS and discharge. This may be explained by the heterogeneous rainfall distribution which causes varying contributions from different sources. During one rainfall event TSS and TDS also varied considerably in time. Both TSS and TDS showed increasing trends going downstream suggesting that the urbanized area generates more suspended and dissolved matter than the forested conservation area upstream. However, given the large variability in TSS and TDS, the increasing trend downstream is associated with high uncertainty. The results of this study stress the necessity of recognizing the variability in water quality of small streams for setting up a monitoring strategy, adopting a modeling approach to predict water quality or extrapolating data from limited samples to annual loads in coastal regions.

Changes in water quality in agricultural catchments after deployment of wastewater treatment plant

Insufficient wastewater remediation in small communities and nonpoint source pollution are the key factors in determining the water quality of small streams in an agricultural landscape. Despite the current extensive construction of municipal wastewater treatment facilities in small communities, the level of organic substances and nutrients in the recipient catchments has not decreased in many areas. This paper analyzes the changes in the water quality of the small streams after the deployment of wastewater treatment plants that were designed to address sources of pollution from small municipalities. The analysis is based on the results from a water quality monitoring network in the small watersheds in the Czech Republic. Five rural catchments with one dominant municipal pollution source, where a wastewater treatment plant was deployed during the monitoring period, were selected according to a predefined set of criteria, from a series of 317 profiles. Basic water quality indicators were selected for the assessment: O₂, BOD-5, COD, TOC, conductivity, NH₄-N, NO₂-N, NO₃-N, PT, and PO₄-P. Results of the analysis showed that the simple deployment of the water treatment facilities at these streams often did not lead to a reduction of contamination in the streams. The expected post-deployment changes, namely, a significant and permanent reduction of stream contamination, occurred only in one catchment, whereas in the remainder of the catchments, only marginal changes or even increased concentrations of the contaminants were detected. As the critical factors that determined the efficiency of wastewater treatment were studied, the need for the consideration of the local conditions during the design of the facility, particularly regarding the size of the catchments, initial level of contamination, proper system of operation, and process optimization of the treatment facility, emerged as the important factor.

Relationships between stream phosphorus concentrations and drainage basin characteristics in a watershed with poultry farming

In the Illinois River watershed (Arkansas and Oklahoma) poultry litter is routinely applied to pasture lands as fertilizer supplements. The objective of this study was to quantify the impacts of this practice on water quality in small streams in the watershed. Total phosphorus concentrations in small streams were quantified during a 15 month intensive sampling program for small tributaries, un-impacted by point sources, and covering a range of upstream poultry farming intensities throughout the watershed. Base flow samples were also collected from the tributaries during multiple dry weather sampling events. Correlation analysis was performed for various measurable drainage basin characteristics and phosphorus concentrations. Results show significant positive correlations between total phosphorus concentrations and the intensity of poultry farm operations upstream of sample sites. This relationship is supported by a supplemental synoptic sampling event upstream and downstream of a field applied with poultry litter and by a watershed-scale mass balance analysis. The latter identifies poultry as the single largest contributor of phosphorus inputs to the basin, accounting for over 76 % of the total watershed load. Study results also show significant, but generally weaker, positive correlations between phosphorus and upstream density of septic tanks and soil conservation service curve number of the drainage basin, but these appear likely to be primarily due to cross-correlations with poultry farm presence. This study demonstrates the use of readily-observed basin characteristics in simple water quality predictive tools and has implications for management of poultry-dominated watersheds.

Temporal trends of Al, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations in streams draining agricultural catchments of the south-eastern Norway

In Norway, water quality of small streams draining agricultural catchments has been monitored since 1993 by the Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring Program. This article attempted to examine the concentration levels, temporal dynamics and long-term trends (1993–2009 and 1996–2009) of Al, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn in streams draining the catchment areas of Skuterud (4.5 km2) and Mørdre (6.8 km2), located in south-east Norway. In the Mørdre stream, Al, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn all showed statistically significant downward trends (p<0.05), whilst in the Skuterud stream only Al and Fe showed statistically downward significance (p<0.05). The general declining trends of metal concentrations are most likely associated with reduction of acid rain deposition in southern Norway. In spite of this declining trends, over the 14–17 years of monitoring mean monthly concentrations of total Al (2.0–3.2 mg L−1), Fe (1.3–2.5 mg L−1) and Cu (8.9–26.1 µg L−1) in Skuterud and Mørdre streams, respectively exceeded the limits of the Norwegian Water Framework Directives, whereas the concentrations of Mn (22.3–40.8 µg L−1) and Zn (13.1–99.4 µg L−1) fell within the range of desired limits. Of the total water samples analysed from Skuterud (n=370) and Mørdre streams (n=255), nearly 80–84%, 70–87% and 79–96% were above the desired limits for Al (0.2 mg L−1), Fe (0.3 mg L−1) and Cu (3 µg L−1), respectively. In 2011, water analysis from drainage of forest soils (in Skuterud catchment) measured total Al: 0.42–0.79 mg L−1 and total Fe: 0.84–1.0 mg L−1 which were two to three folds greater than the desired limits. In general, weak correlations between runoff and concentrations of the metals in the streams were noted. Future research should focus on identifying the sources of Al, Fe and Cu and management interventions of elevated metal inputs to Skuterud and Mørdre streams.

Spatio-Temporal Variation in Water Quality of Orle River Basin, S.W. Nigeria

The water quality of small streams in Auchi area of Edo State, S.W. Nigeriawas investigated with a view to ascertaining the toxicity levels of the waterand its impact on the human and ecosystems. The study was carried outbetween November 1987 and June 1988 at a two weekly intervals for aperiod of eight months. The elements investigated include the major cations of Calcium (Ca++), Magnesium (Mg++) Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), and hydrogen-ion concentration (pH). Results indicated that Calcium (Ca++), Sodium (Na+) and hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) showed significant variation in the various rock types. Also Calcium (Ca++), Sodium (Na+) and Potassium (K+) showed significant variation with pH. However, Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg++) and Hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) showed no definite pattern of variation. This paper focuses on this aspect of Orle River, thus giving baseline information on the temporal and spatial dynamics in the chemical attributes of the basin. This is necessary since the rivers form a major source of drinking water for the communities living within the area. At present, the natives treat the water with alum before use.Key Words: elements, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium.

An empirical approach to predicting water quality in small streams of southern British Columbia using biogeoclimatic ecosystem classifications

Water quality data from a synoptic survey of low-order streams (n = 581) were investigated as a function of the biogeoclimatic zone and moisture subzone groupings of the biogeoclimatic ecological classification (BEC) system. The potential utility of the BEC system as a watershed characterization tool was evaluated. The preliminary results were limited to streams sampled during June 1998 and 1999 over the large spatial scale of southern British Columbia. Significant differences (ρ &lt; 0.05) were observed among biogeoclimatic zones and moisture subzones for specific conductance, turbidity, ph, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration. Our approach explained between 8 and 37% of the variation in water quality data, which could significantly reduce error in assessing water quality or investigating the effects of watershed activities among watersheds. The data provide a snapshot of water quality and identify areas that are likely to exceed water quality guidelines (ρ &gt; 0.50). High proportions of low-order streams within the southern interior of British Columbia are likely to exceed water quality guidelines for turbidity and DOC content during a comparable sample period. Similarly, streams located in coastal areas of southern British Columbia exhibited ph values that were below the approved guideline of 6.5. Overall, the BEC system accounted for a significant amount of variation in water quality, suggesting that further development of this approach is warranted. The addition of other variables such as a history of land-use activities should be included, and data should be extended temporally to account for different flow regimes.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TEMPORAL SAMPLING STRATEGIES ON ESTIMATING TOTAL PHOSPHORUS AND SUSPENDED SEDIMENT CONCENTRATION AND TRANSPORT IN SMALL STREAMS1

ABSTRACT: Various temporal sampling strategies are used to monitor water quality in small streams. To determine how various strategies influence the estimated water quality, frequently collected water quality data from eight small streams (14 to 110 km2) in Wisconsin were systematically subsampled to simulate typically used strategies. These subsets of data were then used to estimate mean, median, and maximum concentrations, and with continuous daily flows used to estimate annual loads (using the regression method) and volumetrically weighted mean concentrations. For each strategy, accuracy and precision in each summary statistic were evaluated by comparison with concentrations and loads of total phosphorus and suspended sediment estimated from all available data. The most effective sampling strategy depends on the statistic of interest and study duration. For mean and median concentrations, the most frequent fixed period sampling economically feasible is best. For maximum concentrations, any strategy with samples at or prior to peak flow is best. The best sampling strategy to estimate loads depends on the study duration. For one‐year studies, fixed period monthly sampling supplemented with storm chasing was best, even though loads were overestimated by 25 to 50 percent. For two to three‐year load studies and estimating volumetrically weighted mean concentrations, fixed period semimonthly sampling was best.

NUTRIENTS IN STREAMS DURING BASEFLOW IN SELECTED ENVIRONMENTAL SEVFINGS OF THE POTOMAC RiVER BASIN1

ABSTRACT: A regional assessment of water quality in small streams was conducted within four areas of distinct physiography and lithology in the upper Potomac River Basin. The Potomac River is a major tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, and this study provides new insight on the relationships between nutrient concentrations in small streams and watershed characteristics within this river basin. Nutrient concentrations were compared to land‐use data including categories for agriculture (cropland and pasture), urban areas, and forests. Among agricultural areas, streams draining areas of intense row cropping typically contained higher nitrate concentrations than did those draining pastures. Streams draining forested areas typically had the lowest nutrient concentrations. Streams in areas underlain by carbonate bedrock were more likely to contain elevated concentrations of inorganic nitrogen and potassium than did streams in areas underlain by fractured siliciclastic or crystalline rocks, and we suggest that this is a physical phenomenon related to high hydraulic conductivities in carbonate ground‐water systems. The median nitrate concentrations were highest in the Great Valley portion of the Valley and Ridge physiographic province, particularly in watersheds that have both carbonate bedrock and intensive row cropping. Values of nitrate in these streams ranged up to 8.99 mg/L as nitrogen. The soluble phosphorus concentrations during baseflow were generally low in all sub‐units, even in some settings with potential for high phosphorus inputs such as urban areas with municipal point sources or agricultural areas. The mobility of phosphorus in these environments may be hindered by adsorption and geochemical reactions.

Occurrence of salmonid parr and eel in relation to water quality in small streams on the west coast of Sweden

In the summer of 1983 twelve streams on the west coast of Sweden were electrofished, and water samples were collected. In three of the streams water sampling was continued throughout the winter of 1983–84. Although summer pH showed little variation between stations there were large differences in fish abundance. The abundances of salmonid parr and eel were correlated with the alkalinity, and were significantly greater at stations with summer alkalinity above 0.25 meq.1−1. The winter water sampling programme showed drastic and rapid drops in the alkalinity during the snow-melt. Electrofishing data compiled from 7 streams during 1956–84 showed decreasing parr abundances in small streams (catchment area <1000 km2) with low (<0.25 meq.1-1) alkalinity. It is suggested that the negative effect on fish is mainly due to toxic forms of Al and to a lesser extent on the direct toxicity of low pH levels.

Assessing Nonpoint Water Quality for Small Streams

The procedures and results of an assessment study of water quality in a small stream impacted only by nonpoint source pollution are presented. Also, considerations for the design of a small stream monitoring survey are discussed. A mathematical model for water quality in small streams was applied to the monitoring data and estimates of the nonpoint source water quality were obtained. An attempt was made to interpret the nonpoint quality in terms of land use.