Annual wastewater nutrient data preparation and load estimation using the Point Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT)

Abstract

The Point-Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT) provides a user-friendly interface for generating reproducible load calculations for point source dischargers while managing common data challenges including duplicates, incompatible input tables, and incomplete or missing nutrient concentration or effluent flow data. Maintaining a consistent method across an entire study area is important when estimating loads to be used as calibration data for regional water-quality models. PSLoadEsT is written using the open-source programming language R and has an easy-to-use interface written in Visual Basic for Applications ® within a Microsoft Access ® database file that guides the user through the necessary steps to estimate point source loads. The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed user guide for PSLoadEsT.