Evaluating diffuse and point source phosphorus inputs to streams in a cold climate region using a Load Apportionment Model
- Language of the publication
- English
- Date
- 2021-06-02
- Type
- Accepted manuscript
- Author(s)
- Rattan, K. J.
- Bowes, M. J.
- Yates, A. G.
- Culp, J. M.
- Chambers, P. A.
- Publisher
- ScienceDirect
Abstract
Variation in the timing and quantity of diffuse versus point-source inputs of phosphorus (P) to streams can be evaluated by examining P concentration-flow relationships. Diffuse load inputs usually increase with stream flow (due to increased delivery caused by precipitation), whereas point-source concentrations decrease with rising river flow (due to increased dilution). This study tested the suitability of a load apportionment model (LAM), a power-law function of flow, to estimate contributions of diffuse and point inputs to P loads for eight sub- watersheds in the Red River Valley, a cold-climate rural region of Manitoba, Canada. For all but two sub-watersheds, annual and seasonal (snowmelt and summer) models of P concentration versus flow best fit a strictly diffuse source contribution. The models identified significant point-source inputs (in addition to diffuse sources) to two sub-watersheds, during summer to both watersheds (consistent with the fact that wastewater from sewage lagoons is discharged to upstream reaches between June and September) and during snowmelt for one watershed. Application of a LAM proved to be a simple and rapid method for nutrient source apportionment, and detection of unknown sources, for cold-climate rural sub-watersheds. Such information is critical for developing the most effective mitigation strategies to reduce P concentrations and eutrophication risk.
Plain language summary
Variation in the timing and quantity of non point and point source inputs of phosphorus (P) to streams can be evaluated by using P concentration – flow relationships. This study tested the suitability of a load apportionment model, a power-law function of flow, to estimate contributions of diffuse and point inputs to P loads for eight sub-watersheds in the Red River Valley, a cold-climate rural region of Manitoba, Canada. The models identified significant point-source inputs during summer to both watersheds and during snowmelt for one watershed.
Subject
- Nature and environment,
- Water,
- Science and technology
Rights
Pagination
35 pages
Peer review
Yes
Open access level
Green
Identifiers
- ISSN
-
2773-0719
- 0380-1330
Article
- Journal title
- Journal of Great Lakes Research
- Journal volume
- 47
- Journal issue
- 3
- Accepted date
- 2020-05-06
- Submitted date
- 2019-11-21
Relation
- Is replaced by:
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2020.05.003
Download(s)
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DiffusePointSourcePhosphorusInputsStreamsColdClimateLoadApportionmentModel.pdf (473.55 KB)
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DiffusePointSourcePhosphorusInputsStreamsColdClimateLoadApportionmentModel_2019-11_Figure1.tif (772.78 KB)
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DiffusePointSourcePhosphorusInputsStreamsColdClimateLoadApportionmentModel_2020-03_Figure2.tif (22.68 KB)
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DiffusePointSourcePhosphorusInputsStreamsColdClimateLoadApportionmentModel_2020-03_Figure3.tif (139.39 KB)
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DiffusePointSourcePhosphorusInputsStreamsColdClimateLoadApportionmentModel_2020-03_Figure4.tif (196.77 KB)