Characterization of sub-watershed-scale stream chemistry regimes in an Appalachian mixed-land-use watershed

Four streams in the Guadiana watershed were followed up to assess hydrogeomorphological and physicochemical characteristics, and to analyze its correlation with land use/land cover (LULC), analyzing their possible influence in reservoir water quality and possible influence in the reservoir water quality. The highest amounts of organic descriptors and nutrients were quantified in streams with the major percentage of olive groves and vineyards and urban land cover classes. Streams more influenced by agro-silvo-pastoral class presented better water quality, as this type of LULC acts as a buffer of the contamination runoff. The results highlighted that the hydrogeomorphology of the streams may influence the transfer of pollutants loads to reservoirs. Hence, in intermittent streams characterized by coarse particles in the sediment, high amounts of pollutants are accumulated when the flow ceases, and are further transported to the reservoirs when the flow retakes. On the contrary, streams with sediments characterized by a great percentage of fine particles and organic matter do not induce so much stress in reservoirs, since these allow the adsorption of nutrients and trace elements, without their transfer to reservoirs.

Section: Lulc and Hydrogeomorphology Influence On The Physico-chemicasupporting

confidence: 91%

Land-Cover Patterns and Hydrogeomorphology of Tributaries: Are These Important Stressors for the Water Quality of Reservoirs in the Mediterranean Region?

Palma

Fialho

Lima

et al. 2020

“…Both biplots highlight the grouping of each of the sites within the idealized vector space defined by principal components 1 and 2. Given the similarity between the sites in terms of geology, topography, and climate, and their close proximity to each other, it can be concluded that the varying land use practices are the principal factors influencing the grouping of the data observed in both biplots [34]. The most obvious patterns are the strong correlation between E. coli concentration and SPM concentration in both the smallest interval and total data set ( Figure 8).…”

Section: Non-parametric Statistical Analysismentioning

confidence: 91%

“…At the time of this investigation, forested land use accounted for 50.1%, and agricultural and developed (urban and commercial areas) land use practices accounted for 22.6% and 19%, respectively, of the land use of WRW. The primary stream of WRW, West Run Creek, is typically narrow with small floodplains and is considered to be a moderately entrenched stream [34,35]. Elevation ranges from 420 m above mean sea level, at the headwaters, to 240 m above mean sea level at the confluence of the Monongahela River [35].…”

Section: Study Site Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantifying Escherichia coli and Suspended Particulate Matter Concentrations in a Mixed-Land Use Appalachian Watershed

Petersen

Hubbart

2020

The relationships between Escherichia (E) coli concentration, suspended particulate matter (SPM) particle size class, and land use practices are important in reducing the bacterium’s persistence and health risks. However, surprisingly few studies have been performed that quantify these relationships. Conceivably, such information would advance mitigation strategies for practices that address specific SPM size classes and, by proxy, E. coli concentration. To advance this needed area of research, stream water was sampled from varying dominant land use practices in West Run Watershed, a representative mixed-land use Appalachian watershed of West Virginia in the eastern USA. Water samples were filtered into three SPM intervals (<5 µm; 5 µm to 60 μm; and >60 μm) and the E. coli concentration (colony forming units, CFU) and SPM of each interval was quantified. Statistically significant relationships were identified between E. coli concentrations and size intervals (α < 0.0001), and SPM (α = 0.05). The results show a predominance (90% of total) of E. coli CFUs in the <5 μm SPM interval. The results show that land use practices impact the relationships between SPM and E. coli concentrations. Future work should include additional combined factors that influence bacterial CFUs and SPM, including hydrology, climate, geochemistry and nutrients.

“…Based on 2016 National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) land use and land cover data, at the time of this investigation WRW consisted of 42.7% forested, 37.7% mixed development and 19.4% agricultural land use ( Table 1, site #22). West Run Creek, the primary drainage of WRW includes small floodplains and is a narrow, moderately entrenched stream [6,45]. The elevation in WRW ranges between 420 to 240 m above mean sea level from the headwaters to the confluence of the Monongahela River [6].…”

Section: Study Site Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing Understanding of Land Use and Physicochemical Impacts on Fecal Contamination in Mixed-Land-Use Watersheds

Petersen

Hubbart

2020

Understanding mixed-land-use practices and physicochemical influences on Escherichia (E.) coli concentrations is necessary to improve water quality management and human health. Weekly stream water samples and physicochemical data were collected from 22 stream gauging sites representing varying land use practices in a contemporary Appalachian watershed of the eastern USA. Over the period of one annual year, Escherichia (E.) coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100 mL were compared to physicochemical parameters and land use practices. Annual average E. coli concentration increased by approximately 112% from acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted headwaters to the lower reaches of the watershed (approximate averages of 177 CFU per 100 mL vs. 376 CFU per 100 mL, respectively). Significant Spearman’s correlations (p < 0.05) were identified from analyses of pH and E. coli concentration data representing 77% of sample sites; thus highlighting legacy effects of historic mining (AMD) on microbial water quality. A tipping point of 25–30% mixed development was identified as leading to significant (p < 0.05) negative correlations between chloride and E. coli concentrations. Study results advance understanding of land use and physicochemical impacts on fecal contamination in mixed-land-use watersheds, aiding in the implementation of effective water quality management practices and policies.