Particulate Phosphorus Dynamics in Headwater Streams

1988 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves T. Prairie ◽  
Jacob Kalff

We examined the dynamics of particulate phosphorus (PP) in seven headwater streams of southern Quebec draining catchments differing in size, extent of forest cover, and stream channel gradient. The extent of forest cover can be used to predict average [PP]. The magnitude of the temporal fluctuations (variance) in [PP] was strongly related to mean levels. While most streams showed positive relationships between discharge and [PP] in rain events, inverse relations were observed in two streams and possibly the result of the rapid exhaustion of PP. Inverse relationships were also seen in these two streams for samples collected outside rain events. We present a model based on channel gradient and extent of forest cover to predict the slope coefficient of [PP]–discharge relationships and also the occurrence of very rapid exhaustion. We then extend this model to include the influence of precipitation history and catchment size on [PP] in headwater streams. This model accounted for 60% of the variation of the pooled observations from all seven streams and is comparable in predictive power with stream-specific models published elsewhere in the literature.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 5063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Egemose ◽  
Anne B. Petersen ◽  
Melanie J. Sønderup ◽  
Mogens R. Flindt

The characteristics of stormwater need focus due to climate change. Paved areas and recipients receiving more stormwater have an enhanced need for treatment before discharge to remove suspended solids, nutrients and xenobiotics. To handle and treat stormwater efficiently, knowledge concerning first flush patterns is crucial. Therefore, we have studied 12 entire rain events and correlated water volume, suspended solids, and dissolved and particulate phosphorus to catchment characteristics and precipitation characteristics. We have mainly studied smaller rain events (average 12.6 mm), as nearly 90% of the events in the studied catchment are <10 mm. We revealed first flush tendencies in 50% of the rain events, concerning both suspended solids and phosphorus. We also found significant correlations between catchment size and discharged masses, and most importantly between precipitation patterns and discharged mass per volume. A long dry period and low amount of rain during the previous event, as well as high rain intensity, gives a high chance of first flush. We conclude that stormwater treatment should focus on the initial part of the event, especially in areas with a lack of space and/or economy to handle and treat the entire event.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 4323-4335 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Huser ◽  
J. Fölster ◽  
S. J. Köhler

Abstract. Long-term data series (1996–2009) for eleven acidic headwater streams (< 10 km2) in Sweden were analyzed to determine factors controlling concentrations of trace metals. In-stream chemical data as well climatic, flow, and deposition chemistry data were used to develop models predicting concentrations of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Data were initially analyzed using partial least squares to determine a set of variables that could predict metal concentrations across all sites. Organic matter (as absorbance) and iron related positively to Pb and Cr, while pH related negatively to Pb and Zn. Other variables such as conductivity, manganese, and temperature were important as well. Multiple linear regression was then used to determine minimally adequate prediction models which explained an average of 35% (Cr), 52% (Zn), and 72% (Pb) of metal variation across all sites. While models explained at least 50% of variation in the majority of sites for Pb (10) and Zn (8), only three sites met this criterion for Cr. Investigation of variation between site models for each metal revealed geographical (altitude), chemical (sulfate), and land-use (silvaculture) influences on predictive power of the models. Residual analysis revealed seasonal differences in the ability of the models to predict metal concentrations as well. Expected future changes in model variables were applied and results showed the potential for long-term increases (Pb) or decreases (Zn) for trace metal concentrations at these sites.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Herika Cavalcante ◽  
Fabiana Araújo ◽  
Vanessa Becker

Abstract Aim To verify the vertical distribution of phosphorus in the water and to identify the predominant forms of P in the water column for understand the phosphorus dynamics in tropical semiarid reservoirs during a prolonged drought period. Methods Two reservoirs from the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte were analysed during the period from May 2015 to June 2016. Were analysed: Suspended solids (SS), chlorophyll a (Chl-a), dissolved oxygen (OD) and temperature. Vertical profiles were plotted for total phosphorus (PT), total dissolved phosphorus (PTD), particulate phosphorus (PP), dissolved organic phosphorus (POD) and soluble reactive phosphorus (FRS). Results The phosphorus values distributed in the water column were high for both reservoirs, presenting the highest values during the periods with lower depth. Gargalheiras presented greater predominance of PT and PP, while Cruzeta had the highest values of FRS. Chl-a and SS values were also consistent with phosphorus values: Chl-a was higher in Gargalheiras, while SS, mainly inorganic, were higher in Cruzeta. Gargalheiras presented anoxic conditions close to the sediment from May 2015 to December 2015, which may induce the release of phosphorus from the sediment to the water column. Values that are too high during the shallower months, especially in Cruzeta, may have been influenced by the release of P from sediment through wind resuspension. Conclusions The amounts and predominant types of phosphorus in the water column are of great importance to understand the phosphorus dynamics and will support restoration plans for the studied environments. In this study it was possible to verify that the reservoirs are susceptible to the release of P from the sediment due to the environmental conditions, mainly low depths, resuspension of the wind and anoxia in the hypolimnion.


1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nic Pacini ◽  
Ren� G�chter

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin A. Briggs ◽  
Phillip Goodling ◽  
Zachary C. Johnson ◽  
Karli M. Rogers ◽  
Nathaniel P. Hitt ◽  
...  

Abstract. In mountain headwater streams the quality and resilience of cold-water habitat is regulated by surface stream channel connectivity and groundwater exchange. These critical hydrologic processes are thought to be influenced by the stream corridor bedrock contact depth (sediment thickness), which is often inferred from sparse hillslope borehole information, piezometer refusal, and remotely sensed data. To investigate how local bedrock depth might control summer stream temperature and channel disconnection (dewatering) patterns, we measured stream corridor bedrock depth by collecting and interpreting 191 passive seismic datasets along eight headwater streams in Shenandoah National Park (Virginia USA). In addition, we used multiyear stream temperature and streamflow records to calculate summer baseflow metrics along and among the study streams. Finally, comprehensive visual surveys of stream channel dewatering were conducted in 2016, 2019, and 2021 during summer baseflow conditions (124 total km of stream length). We found that measured bedrock depths were not well-characterized by soils maps or an existing global-scale geologic dataset, where the latter overpredicted measured depths by 12.2 m (mean), or approximately four times the average bedrock depth of 2.9 m. Half of the eight study stream corridors had an average bedrock depth of less than 2 m. Of the eight study streams, Staunton River had the deepest average bedrock depth (3.4 m), the coldest summer temperature profiles, and substantially higher summer baseflow indices compared to the other study steams. Staunton River also exhibited paired air and water annual temperature signals suggesting deeper groundwater influence, and the stream channel did not dewater in lower sections during any baseflow survey. In contrast, streams Paine Run and Piney River did show pronounced, patchy channel dewatering, with Paine Run having dozens of discrete dry channel sections ranging 1 to greater than 300 m in length. Stream dewatering patterns were apparently influenced by a combination of discrete deep bedrock (20 m+) features and more subtle sediment thickness variation (1–4 m), depending on local stream valley hydrogeology. In combination these unique datasets show the first large-scale empirical support for existing conceptual models of headwater stream disconnection based on underflow capacity and shallow groundwater supply.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 6182
Author(s):  
Ivo Offenthaler ◽  
Astrid Felderer ◽  
Herbert Formayer ◽  
Natalie Glas ◽  
David Leidinger ◽  
...  

Climate change is set to increase landslide frequency around the globe, thus increasing the potential exposure of people and material assets to these disturbances. Landslide hazard is commonly modelled from terrain and precipitation parameters, assuming that shorter, more intense rain events require less precipitation volume to trigger a slide. Given the extent of non-catastrophic slides, an operable vulnerability mapping requires high spatial resolution. We combined heterogeneous regional slide inventories with long-term meteorological records and small-scale spatial information for hazard modelling. Slope, its (protective) interaction with forest cover, and altitude were the most influential terrain parameters. A widely used exponential threshold to estimate critical precipitation was found to incorrectly predict meteorological hazard to a substantial degree and, qualitatively, delineate the upper boundary of natural conditions rather than a critical threshold. Scaling rainfall parameters from absolute values into local probabilities (per km²) however revealed a consistent pattern across datasets, with the transition from normal to critical rain volumes and durations being gradual rather than abrupt thresholds. Scaled values could be reverted into site-specific nomograms for easy appraisal of critical rain conditions by local stakeholders. An overlay of terrain-related hazard with infrastructure yielded local vulnerability maps, which were verified with actual slide occurrence. Multiple potential for observation bias in ground-based slide reporting underlined the value of complementary earth observation data for slide mapping and early warning.


Estuaries ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 518 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Chambers ◽  
J. W. Fourqurean ◽  
J. T. Hollibaugh ◽  
S. M. Vink

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1793-1828 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Huser ◽  
J. Fölster ◽  
S. Köhler

Abstract. Long term data series (1996–2009) for eleven acidic, headwater streams (<10 km2) in Sweden were analyzed to determine factors controlling concentrations of trace metals. In-stream chemical data as well climatic, flow, and deposition chemistry data were used to develop models predicting concentrations of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Data were initially analyzed using partial least squares to determine a set of variables that could predict metal concentrations across all sites. Organic matter (as absorbance) and iron related positively to Pb and Cr while pH related negatively to Pb and Zn. Other variables such as conductivity, manganese, and temperature were important as well. Multiple linear regression was then used to determine minimally adequate prediction models which explained an average of 35% (Cr), 52% (Zn), and 72% (Pb) of metal variation across all sites. While models explained at least 50% of variation in the majority of sites for Pb (10) and Zn (8), only three sites met this criterion for Cr. Investigation of variation between site models for each metal revealed geographical (altitude), chemical (sulfate), and land use (silvaculture) influences on predictive power of the models. Residual analysis revealed seasonal differences in the ability of the models to predict metal concentrations as well. Expected future changes in model variables were applied and results showed the potential for long term increases (Pb) or decreases (Zn) for trace metal concentrations at these sites.


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