Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics of Inorganic Nitrogen and Phosphorous Compounds in an Orchard-Dominated Catchment with Anthropogenic Impacts

Abstract

The influence of various types of agricultural activities on the dynamics of biogenic compounds of flowing water was broadly recognized in many spatial and temporal scales. However, relatively minor attention was paid to the hydrochemical functioning of horticultural catchments despite their importance and dominance in some regions of Europe. Thus, the current study investigated spatial and seasonal variations in inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous compounds in stream water in the Mogielanka River catchment, with 72% covered by apple orchards. Water samples were collected from fifteen sites distributed across the catchment in the monthly timescale from March 2020 to February 2021. Concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, and PO43− were determined photometrically, while in situ water temperature, oxygen saturation, electrical conductivity, and pH, were measured with the use of portable devices. The impact of horticulture was mainly documented in the higher concentration of NO3− during the winter months; however, maximum values did not exceed 15 mg·dm−3 and were relatively low in comparison to catchments dominated by arable lands. The authors also found a clear impact of unstratified reservoirs and inflows from wastewater treatment plants on the dynamics of biogenic compounds. The correlations of PO43− with the sums of precipitation suggested, in turn, that increased PO43− concentration mainly results from poor sewage management. The results provided preliminary but unique and spatially extensive insight into the functioning of an orchard-dominated lowland catchment and allowed the researchers to point out the main recommendations for improving water quality in similar regions.

The Impact of Various Types of Cultivation on Stream Water Quality in Central Poland

“…Site selection used a purposive sampling scheme, based primarily on the land use of the upstream catchment area and its maximum variability in terms of different cultivation. In addition, site localization precluded direct anthropogenic modifications, such as point wastewater discharges, dams, and runoffs from motorways, which are documented to directly impact water quality [48][49][50][51]. It is worth noting that all sampling sites were spatially independent, while their upstream catchment areas ranged from 1.5 to 61.0 km 2 (Appendix A).…”

Use of Natural Sorbents in the Processes of Removing Biogenic Compounds from the Aquatic Environment

“…In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the removal of biogenic compounds and minimizing their negative impact on receiving waters [24]. Physical, chemical and biological methods, as well as integrated processes combining the above methods, are used to remove nutrients from the aquatic environment [25].…”

Water Management in Agriculture and Industry: Challenges, Trends, and Opportunities

“…Zare et al [33] proposed a method for identifying the tree water status, measured by means of land surface temperature and vegetation index, in apple orchards with the use of satellite images by presenting a related application in Germany; • Rafique et al [34] created a model to explore the benefits of alternative operations of a Pakistani dam in terms of reliability, resilience, and vulnerability under specific objectives, such as irrigation supply, hydropower generation, and flood control; • Stępniewski and Łaszewski [35] investigated spatial and seasonal variations in inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous compounds in stream water retrieved from a Polish river catchment, mainly covered by apple orchards;…”