Showing papers on "Nonpoint source pollution published in 1977"

Nonpoint source effects on water quality

Abstract: The formulation of a nonpoint source abate ment strategy depends on an adequate defini tion of water quality responses from nonpoint and point sources. The stochastic nature of rainfall and resulting runoff arid infiltration compounded by quality and quantity variations in point source discharges result in non-steady state water quality response curves. However, the pollutant contributions from nonpoint sources can be significant in terms of mass loadings.1 In approximately 80 percent of U. S. urban areas studied by the Council on Environmental Quality,2 it was determined that downstream water quality was controlled by nonpoint sources. This is a very general statement con sidering that many factors determine the rela tive contribution of point and nonpoint sources. Included among these factors when studying a large basin are many sources of nonpoint pol lution, such as urban areas, silviculture, agri culture, mining, construction, wetlands, water fowl, and precipitation. Furthermore, each of these sources can be further divided into dis tinct nonpoint sources, which make identifica tion of causes and effects very difficult. Never theless, the nature of the nonpoint source problem is related to the effects of land use on water quality. Section 305, Paragraph (E) of PL 92-500, specifies "a description of the nature and extent of nonpoint sources of pollutants." Two ways of determining this are: measuring water quality related to precipitation/runoff/ infiltration events, and calculating potential water quality degradation related to loading rates (mass/unit area-unit time) of land uses.

Water quality assessment: a screening method for nondesignated 208 areas

Abstract: The objective of this study is to develop a methodology for the preliminary screening of surface water quality applicable for use by nondesignated 208 planning agencies. Analytical methods are included for the assessment of rivers, impoundments, and estuaries. Additionally, methods are provided by which point and nonpoint sources can be evaluated. The water quality parameters analyzed for all three water body types are biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and sediment accumulation. Other constituents, more pertinent to a particular water body type, are also addressed. The analyses are designed to be performed with, at most, the assistance of a desk top calculator and with a minimal amount of data input.

The Chemistry of Water Pollution

Abstract: Ever since man progressed from a hunting to an agricultural society, with the corresponding development of stable communities, the phenomenon of water pollution has been his constant companion. As agricultural methods improved, a smaller percentage of the population produced all the food needed; larger communities and diverse secondary industries developed and grew into the present modern society. Concurrent with this growth, however, was the increasing percentage of waste materials and the problems of disposal. When the total volume of waste from a community was relatively small, the easiest method of disposal was to “throw it away,” usually into the nearest receptacle. Since man cannot exist without water, community development and city growth centered in areas where the water supplies were adequate and continuous. Initially this meant development in river valleys, and thus the nearest receptacle for wastes was the river.

Sedimentation and erosion control implications for water quality management

Abstract: Erosion and sedimentation, including sediment transport through a watershed system, play important but complex roles in water quality management. The most meaningful way to evaluate the relative effectiveness of various erosion control methods for water quality management is via continuous simulation models. If water quality goal attainment is attempted by application of source controls within some specified technology limits (including costs), however, a more simplistic approach may be used for analysis of this nonpoint source of environmental pollution. This paper focuses on the latter technique, but also presents the results of more sophisticated analysis methods for illustrative purposes.

Natural and Man-Induced Soil Pollution.

Abstract: : Soil pollution is a form of pollution that is not as readily apparent as that found in air and water but can be just as noxious. Soil pollution should be considered in any efforts to ameliorate the misuse of the environment. This report examines various forms of both naturally and humanly induced soil pollution. (Author)

Landsat change detection can aid in water quality monitoring

Abstract: Comparison between Landsat-1 and -2 imagery of Arkansas provided evidence of significant land use changes during the 1972-75 time period. Analysis of Arkansas historical water quality information has shown conclusively that whereas point source pollution generally can be detected by use of water quality data collected by state and federal agencies, sampling methodologies for nonpoint source contamination attributable to surface runoff are totally inadequate. The expensive undertaking of monitoring all nonpoint sources for numerous watersheds can be lessened by implementing Landsat change detection analyses.

Spruce Creek Watershed Non-point Source Loading Model

Abstract: The pollutant transport from watershed to receiving waters is modeled for Spruce Creek basin. The data requirements for such a model are: daily rainfall; monthly lake evaporation; soil and land use breakdown; water quality history for the main indicators, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, suspended solids, and total organic carbon; surface flow and interflow delay coefficients; channel flow time; daily flow gage records; and channel flow characteris tics. The model uses the SCS runoff curve number method to generate rainfall excess where the antecedent conditions are varied daily by a water budget analysis. The direct runoff is d~layed and routed by the CDET and Muskingum method respectively. Daily pollutant loadings are generated by the use of pollutant loading functions which relate pollutant mass loading to average daily flow for the pollutants desired. These are totaled for each year of simulation ~ to predict average pollutant loading from the water shed in pounds per acre per year for use in water quality planning. Maftin P. Wanielista, PhD, P.E. Di~ector of Research Report

Arewide Water Quality Management in AN Energy Development Area

Abstract: A Section 208, Areawide Waste Treatment Management Project, is attempting to develop an implementable water quality management plan for an energy impacted area Staff members and consultants are investigating point and nonpoint sources On a short-term basis, population growth and construction will have a greater impact on water quality than strip mining