Integrated empirical models to assess nutrient concentration in water resources: case study of a small basin in southeastern Brazil

A significant contributor to water pollution is increased nutrient concentration that results in eutrophication. Modeling approaches are crucial to understanding the dynamics of nutrients in river basins. This study integrates empirical models into Geographic Information Systems to quantify total ni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science and pollution research international 2021-05, Vol.28 (18), p.23349-23367
Main Authors: da Silva Anjinho, Phelipe, Barbosa, Mariana Abibi Guimarães Araujo, Neves, Gabriela Leite, dos Santos, Allita Rezende, Mauad, Frederico Fábio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic Pollution
Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution
Earth and Environmental Science
Ecotoxicology
Environment
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental Health
Environmental science
Eutrophication
Geographic information systems
Hydrologic data
Hydrology
Land use
Nonpoint source pollution
Nonpoint sources
Nutrient concentrations
Nutrients
Phosphorus
Pollution load
Pollution sources
Remote sensing
Research Article
River basins
Rivers
Simulation
Spatial distribution
Stream pollution
Waste Water Technology
Water Management
Water pollution
Water Pollution Control
Water resources
Watercourses
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Summary:A significant contributor to water pollution is increased nutrient concentration that results in eutrophication. Modeling approaches are crucial to understanding the dynamics of nutrients in river basins. This study integrates empirical models into Geographic Information Systems to quantify total nitrogen and phosphorus (TN and TP) load and concentration in watercourses of Brazil’s Lobo Stream Hydrographic Basin (LSHB). Land use, topographic, demographic, and hydrological data were used to simulate the load and concentration of nutrients generated by point and nonpoint pollution sources. The results indicate that the simulated TN and TP load is primarily generated by nonpoint sources, 81% and 76%, respectively. The Itaqueri River subbasin is the most critical, yielding more than half of the basin’s TN and TP load. About 90% of annual LSHB point pollution load is generated in the Itaqueri River subbasin, principally from the Água Branca Stream. The linear regression between simulated and observed concentration indicates significant relationships (TN, r 2 = 0.73 ( p < 0.05), TP, r 2 = 0.78 ( p < 0.05)). The method used was able to simulate TN and TP concentration in watercourses, but was inconsistent for point pollution, indicating it represents the dynamics of nutrients in rural basins more effectively than in urban ones. The study shows that its methodology, despite limitations, enables scientists and managers to understand and predict spatial distribution of nutrient concentration in LSHB watercourses.
ISSN:0944-1344
1614-7499
DOI:10.1007/s11356-020-12125-9