Investigative monitoring in the context of detecting anthropogenic impact on an epipotamal river

Abstract

In the context of an investigative monitoring programme a monitoring system comprising of a water quality monitoring station and a camera station has been installed and operated for more than one year. The monitoring target was to investigate changes of water quality which can be related to a repeated occurrence of foam, observed at a river stretch downstream the monitoring station. The extent and frequency of foam buildup was recorded by means of the camera station. The analysis of the online data clearly showed that some of the measured parameters can be used as indicators for specific discharges, which from additional targeted investigations could be identified as contributors to the foaming problems. The continuous ammonium measurement could be used to detect nitrification problems of WWTPs discharging upstream of the monitoring station. By combining different data sources (emission data, operative and investigative monitoring data) additional information can be gained, which can be used for a comprehensive data assessment as well as a detailed system analysis.

Foam formation on an Austrian–Hungarian lowland river: reasons, methods and solutions

“…Physical parameters (dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, conductivity, temperature and pH) were measured onsite, whereas classical chemical parameters were analysed in the laboratory. For identification of the foam's origin, analyses of surface tension and on two sampling dates of surfactants were conducted.To achieve detailed information on the river's water chemistry and potential diffuse pollution sources, an online monitoring station was applied close to the sampling station 4 (SP4), where all companies and wastewater treatment plants have already discharged into the river(Winkler et al 2008).…”