Showing papers on "Water quality published in 1979"
Book•
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: This work focuses on water quality and aquaculture in the context of ponds, and investigates the role of manure, water quality, and waste management in the development and management of these facilities.
Abstract: Preface. Selected Atomic Weights. Customary Metric Conversion Factors. 1. Water Quality and Aquaculture: Preliminary Considerations. 2. Ecology of Aquaculture Ponds. 3. Water Quality Requirements. 4. Water Use. 5. Liming. 6. Fertilization. 7. Aeration. 8. Water Circulation. 9. Turbidity and Appearance of Water. 10. Aquatic Weed Control. 11. Off-Flavors and Harmful Algae. 12. Pollution. 13. Chemical, Physical, and Biological Treatments. 14. Waste Management. 15. Measurement of Water Quality. 16. Sustainability and Environmental Issues. References. Index.
1,083 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a modified version of Carlson's (1977) trophic state index summarizes relationships among summer, epilimnetic measurements of total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and transparency.
Abstract: The feasibility of lake water quality management planning has been greatly increased over the past 10 years with the development of relatively simple, empirical methods for assessing eutrophication problems. These relate phosphorus loading, hydrology, and morphometry to such traditional trophic state indices as phosphorus concentration, chlorophyll-a concentration, and transparency. One of the difficulties associated with use of these methods is that water quality criteria, as related to beneficial use, do not generally correspond to subjective definitions of ‘trophic state.’ This paper attempts to improve upon existing methods by relating measures of phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and/or transparency to hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen, which is of direct relevance to existing water quality standards, particularly for fisheries management. A modified version of Carlson's (1977) trophic state index summarizes relationships among summer, epilimnetic measurements of total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and transparency. On the basis of data from 30 lakes this index is shown to be highly correlated with areal hypolimnetic oxygen depletion rate when the apparent effects of mean depth are also taken into account (R2 = 0.91). Tests of the empirical model on a separate data base of 86 lakes indicate that the approach can be used to predict oxygen status based upon lake morphometry and trophic index. The methodology provides a link between phosphorus mass balance models and existing water quality criteria for dissolved oxygen.
519 citations
01 Jan 1979
345 citations
TL;DR: The FC/FS ratio and percentage of Streptococcus bovis in pasture runoff are useful indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of livestock management practices for minimizing bacterial contamination of surface water.
Abstract: Runoff from a cow-calf pasture in eastern Nebraska was monitored for total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and fecal streptococci (FS) during 1976, 1977, and 1978. Bacteriological counts in runoff from both grazed and ungrazed areas generally exceeded recommended water quality standards. The FC group was the best indicator group of the impact of grazing. Rainfall runoff from the grazed area contained 5 to 10 times more FC than runoff from the fenced, ungrazed area. There was little difference in TC counts between the two areas, but FS counts were higher in runoff from the ungrazed area and reflected the contributions from wildlife. Recommended bacteriological water quality standards, developed for point source inputs, may be inappropriate for characterizing nonpoint source pollution from pasture runoff. The FC/FS ratio in pasture runoff was useful in identifying the relative contributions of cattle and wildlife. Ratios below 0.05 were indicative of wildlife sources and ratios above 0.1 were characteristic of grazing cattle. Occasions when the FC/FS ratio of diluted cattle waste exceeded one resulted from differential aftergrowth and die-off between FC and FS. The FC/FS ratio and percentage of Streptococcus bovis in pasture runoff are useful indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of livestock management practices for minimizing bacterial contamination of surface water. The importance of choice of medium for the enumeration of FS in runoff derived from cattle wastes is discussed.
193 citations
TL;DR: Fish growth rates of about 30% per month at high stocking densiteis were reached for Tilapia at a fish: water ratio of 1 : 4.6, indicating that a combination of biological water treatment and ozonation supports intensive fish culture in a closed aquaculture system.
99 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, runoff and persistence of selected herbicides were studied on four small Piedmont watersheds in Georgia during four growing seasons, and the results showed that seasonal runoff losses were usually < 2% of the application, unless large runoff volumes were generated shortly after application.
Abstract: Runoff and persistence of selected herbicides were studied on four small Piedmont watersheds in Georgia during four growing seasons. This is part of a study designed to provide data for developing and testing mathematical models for agricultural chemical transport. Seasonal runoff losses were determined relative to watershed management, herbicide type and persistence, mode of application, and time of runoff in relation to application timing. Seasonal losses were usually < 2% of the application, unless large runoff volumes were generated shortly after application. Average storm herbicide concentrations in runoff were correlated with herbicide concentrations at the 0- to 1- cm depth increment of the watershed soils at the time of runoff. Paraquat concentrations in runoff (predominantly sediment associated) were well correlated and positive with the product of soil herbicide concentration and sediment in runoff. Equations describing soilbased herbicide transfer to runoff were power functions with exponents near unity with the form: Y = a xᵇ. Simple relationships such as those developed in this study along with hydrology and erosion/sediment models may he useful in predicting pesticide runoff potential when assessing relative impacts of management decisions. The next step would be to describe key management practices in terms of these coefficients and exponents.
87 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review summarizes North American studies in the contexts of ecosystem function and water quality changes, for both natural and artificial wetland ecosystems, in terms of the principles of hydrology and nutrient cycling in wetlands.
Abstract: Freshwater wetlands can, in some circumstances, renovate added secondarily treated wastewater, thus providing an alternative to land or water disposal or expensive physical‐chemical treatment processes. This review summarizes North American studies in the contexts of ecosystem function and water quality changes, for both natural and artificial wetland ecosystems. All components of an ecosystem are involved in the alteration of the dissolved nutrient status and sediment content of the water. The results of recent studies are interpreted in terms of the principles of hydrology and nutrient cycling in wetlands. Initial uptake and alteration mechanisms involve sorption and microbial processes, such as denitrification. Peat soils provide a maximum condition for this rapid uptake. Detritus supports microbial populations and active periphyton, which coupled with other algae, represent a second temporary sink. The vascular plant community also represents nutrient storage which may be exploited by herbivores or de...
TL;DR: Water quality models for a 55-km stretch of the Bedford Ouse River in central eastern England were described in this paper, where a stochastic simulation provided forecasts of water quality at a downstream abstraction point in terms of probability distributions, and these were compared with water quality standards, also defined in probabilistic terms.
Abstract: Water quality models are described for a 55-km stretch of the Bedford Ouse River in central eastern England. The dynamic models relate time-varying upstream influents to downstream water quality and are stochastic to account for the uncertainty in the system. A stochastic simulation provides forecasts of water quality at a downstream abstraction point in terms of probability distributions, and these are compared with water quality standards, also defined in probabilistic terms. Effluent from the new city of Milton Keynes enters the river at an upstream point, and the impact of the effluent on the aquatic environment is assessed together with the sensitivity of the water quality model to parametric uncertainty.
TL;DR: The transport of industrial organic chemicals from their source, into the Delaware River, through various treatment facilities, and into Philadelphia's finished drinking water was studied using water samples collected in Aug. 1977 as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The transport of industrial organic chemicals (e.g., phenol, chlorotoluene, naphthalene, and plasticizers) from their source, into the Delaware River, through various treatment facilities, and into Philadelphia's finished drinking water was studied using water samples collected in Aug. 1977. Solvent extraction, liquid chromatographic cleanup, and gas chromatographic mass spectrometry were used for compound separation and identification. The study confirmed that a certain plant was the source of several of the compounds observed. Many of these compounds circulated into Philadelphia's drinking water and the various water and waste treatment facilities had a minimal effect on the organic levels. Treatment processes were effective for several compounds, e.g., hydrocarbons, ethylene glycol compounds, and phenols, but the compounds of greatest environmental significance may be the least affected by the waste treatment processes. For all chemicals, dilution processes were responsible for the largest reduction in organic concentrations. Results were substantiated by a ten-week sampling program designed to monitor seven selected waste chemicals.
TL;DR: The data suggest that CHD may be associated with low concentrations of magnesium and chromium in the drinking water, but no definite relationship was found between water quality and sudden death.
Abstract: Relationships of drinking water quality to CHD and sudden death were studied in two rural areas in western and eastern Finland. In the eastern area, drinking water is particularly soft and contains less magnesium and chromium but more copper than in the western area. A 15-year follow-up of resident males showed a higher death rate from CHD in the eastern area but no difference in the proportion of sudden deaths. The data suggest that CHD may be associated with low concentrations of magnesium and chromium in the drinking water, but no definite relationship was found between water quality and sudden death.
Book•
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: Water usage and load estimation water installations principles of soil and waste pipe installations design of soil/waste pipe installations ventilation of sanitary accommodation solid waste handling rationalization of services fluid flow principles and studies noise water economy soil/ waste drainage underground rainwater drainage environmental considerations regulations, codes and standards.
Abstract: Water usage and load estimation water installations principles of soil and waste pipe installations design of soil and waste pipe installations ventilation of sanitary accommodation solid waste handling rationalization of services fluid flow principles and studies noise water economy soil and waste drainage underground rainwater drainage environmental considerations regulations, codes and standards. Appendices: water quality consideration notes on plastics and their applications.
TL;DR: In this paper, a sequence of simple statistical tests was used to interpret the data from a routine water sampling project for a stream that was contaminated with effluent from a sewage treatment plant.
Abstract: A sequence of simple statistical tests was used to interpret the data from a routine water sampling project for a stream that was contaminated with effluent from a sewage treatment plant. The contamination of this stream was apparent from the murky condition of the water and its pungent odor. The outlet of the sewage treatment plant enters the stream at its origin.
The chemical variables analysed were Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, nitrates, TDS, and hardness. Background data from other streams in this drainage basin and data from the stream under investigation were subjected to cluster analysis in order to classify the sampled area into geochemical provinces. The contaminated stream under investigation comprised one province and the background streams constituted another province. A linear regression performed on the data showed a statistically significant decrease of several variables with increasing distance from the outlet of the sewage treatment plant. An abrupt decrease in concentration of iron some 450 m below the plant outlet implied the presence of two populations with different means, which was statistically verified with a trimmed t-test.
Use of these simple tests greatly facilitated interpretation of the data.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a methodology for derivation of a generalized water quality index based on factor analysis (a multivariate statistical technique), and examined the geographical applicability of such an index.
Abstract: Water quality indexes permit an evaluation of water quality conditions in comparative terms. This paper presents a methodology for derivation of a generalized water quality index based on factor analysis (a multivariate statistical technique), and examines the geographical applicability of such an index. Ten pollutant parameters from water quality data accumulated in the Carson Valley of Nevada during the 1974, 1975, and 1976 irrigation seasons provided the basis for two indexes: i) WQITN = f(temp., BOD, TP, EC, DODP); and ii) WQIPN = f(temp., BOD, PO₄-P, EC, DODP). Regression analysis of the indexes as functions of water quality variables from two river basins in Nevada indicated WQITN to be the better index (F-test 99%, R₂ = 0.9098). The WQITN formulation was then compared with index values suggested by water quality experts (WQIE). Regression coefficients were determined for WQIE and WQITN index regression equations as functions of water quality data from selected locations throughout the United States. The proposed WQITN appeared the most geographically acceptable index (F-test 99%, R² = 0.9754). The model estimated by factor analysis was shown to have good potential as a generalized water quality index. Use of the suggested methodology for the development of generalized, as well as specific-use water quality indexes, may enable better geographic identification of problem areas contributing to water pollution and the development of appropriate water quality standards. Standardization of the indexes in terms of a range of acceptability, e.g., light, moderate, or severe pollution, is suggested for further investigation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a method for estimating, ex ante, the benefits of water quality change by presenting the theoretical basis for the empirical analysis, establishing the relationship between an obiective measurement of Water quality utilized by water resource experts and the sub-ective ratings of lake users, and synthesizing these components by advancing a method which is applied to the possible decision-making situation described above.
Abstract: Wisconsin water resource managers have determined that the water quality in Pike Lake is deteriorating rapidly. The source of this problem resides with the fact that storm sewers empty directly into the lake, delivering large nutrient loads. The impending decline can be prevented by the construction of a storm sewer diversion projiect. This undertaking can be accomplished for a fixed cost of $175,000--operation and maintenance costs are considered negligible. The question being asked by the resource manager is whether the benefits to be derived from preserving the present high level of water quality will justify the projiect cost. Although the foregoing is hypothetical, the problem is typical of those confronting today's decision makers. What insight can economics bring to bear on issues such as these? The purpose of this paper is to address such an issue by presenting a method for estimating, ex ante, the benefits of water quality change by (a) presenting the theoretical basis for the empirical analysis, (b) establishing the relationship between an obiective measurement of water quality utilized by water resource experts and the subiective ratings of lake users, (c) presenting a model including recreators' ratings of water quality, and (d) synthesizing these components by advancing a method which is applied to the possible decision-making situation described above.
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this paper, a procedure for measuring option value and other preservation values of water quality is developed and applied to a case study area in the South Platte River Basin, Colorado.
Abstract: A procedure for measuring option value and other preservation values of water quality is developed and applied to a case study area in the South Platte River Basin, Colorado. Benefits from water-based recreation activities are focus of the study. The ...
TL;DR: In this article, a cattle-pasturing system involving four rotationally grazed summer pastures with winter feeding on one pasture was studied on sloping upland watersheds in Ohio to determine its effect on chemical quality of water.
Abstract: A beef cattle-pasturing system involving four rotationally grazed summer pastures with winter-feeding on one pasture was studied on sloping upland watersheds in Ohio to determine its effect on chemical quality of water. The concentrations of chemicals in runoff from the pastures, which were summer-grazed only, increased relative to that of incoming precipitation but not enough to significantly impair water quality. No measurable sediment was lost from the pastures used only for summer grazing, allowing no chemical movement via that pathway. Much soil and plant-cover disturbance on the pasture used for winter-feeding, however, resulted in increased runoff, some surface erosion, and more chemical movement as compared with the pastures grazed only in summer. Considerably more chemicals moved in subsurface than in surface flow from the summer pastures while amounts of chemicals transported from the winter-feeding pasture were equally as great in surface runoff and subsurface flow. Watershed surface management was a key factor in determining the flow route of water in excess of that used for evapotranspiration and, hence, the pathways and amounts of chemical transport from the pastures.
TL;DR: The effectiveness of SWCP's at controlling potential pollut-ants other than sediment depends on the characteristics of pollutants as discussed by the authors, which have been categorized in groups having distinctly different soil adsorption properties.
Abstract: THERE has been a tendency to equate best manage-ment practices, as defined in water quality legisla-tion, with soil and water conservation practices. The effectiveness of SWCP's at controlling potential pollut-ants other than sediment depends on the characteristics of pollutants. Pollutants have been categorized in groups having distinctly different soil adsorption properties which have been related to the effect of SWCP's on water and soil movement.
TL;DR: Preliminary experiments suggest that divalent metals and the volatile constituents of hydrocarbons can be removed selectively from sea water.
Abstract: A case is presented for the use of experimental bioassay techniques to detect and measure variations in water quality in the marine environment by exposing suitable organisms in the laboratory to water samples collected in the field. A technique is described which was developed for this purpose with the use of a clonal hydroid; preliminary results from Swansea Bay show that it is sensitive to the variations in water quality that occur there. Chemical techniques are being developed for use in conjunction with such bioassays to identify the kinds of contaminants responsible for a detected effect, and some preliminary experiments suggest that divalent metals and the volatile constituents of hydrocarbons can be removed selectively from sea water.
TL;DR: In this article, the water quality of the upper Hennops River was determined by applying the method of Lange-Bertalot (1978; 1979), which was based on groups of diatom species with similar tolerances towards pollution.
Abstract: SUMMARY The water quality of the upper Hennops River was determined by applying the method of Lange-Bertalot (1978; 1979), which is based on groups of diatom species with similar tolerances towards pollution. A definite improvement in the water quality was indicated between the upper reaches of the river, which receives secondary treated sewage effluent discharges, and Rietvlei Dam, some 25 km downstream. According to the water quality classification of Lange-Bertalot, this represented an improvement from class III – IV (α-meso- to polysaprobic) to class II – III (α- to β-mesosaprobic). These results were in general agreement with chemical analyses, which suggests that Lange-Bertalot's method for classifying the quality of running waters can be adapted, to South African conditions. The pollution tolerances of some species not included in Lange-bertalot's classification are suggested.
TL;DR: In this paper, a probabilistic programming model for regional water quality management in the Hsintien River in Taiwan is presented and is found desirable for problems involving stochastic quantitiies.
Abstract: Probabilistic programming model for regional water quality management in the Hsintien River in Taiwan is presented and is found desirable for problems involving stochastic quantitiies. Four water quality management policies have been studied for the requirement of maintaining a desired minimum dissolved oxygen level at all the reaches of the river. In addition, a trade-off between the operating cost and degree of reliability for a target dissolved oxygen concentration at the Hsintien River was also studied. Finally, the study included the monthly optical wastewater removal scheme for the Hsintien River and the scheme showed significant savings in cost.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Human over 60 years of age appear to be at high risk to developing cardiac arrhythmias following the barium enema and the current United States drinking water standard is based on several faulty assumptions and should be critically reevaluated.
Abstract: A comprehensive review is made of sources, occurrence, removal, health effects and water quality standard of barium in public drinking water supplies. The primary source of naturally occurring barium in drinking water results from the leaching and eroding of this metal from sedimentary rocks into the aquifers of ground water. It is a localized problem in several areas of the United States. The removal of barium from drinking water appears to be most efficiently accomplished utilizing ion exchange softening. Health effects studies are based primarily on animal experimentation. Such effects include stimulation of smooth, striated, and cardiac muscle, elevation of blood pressure, initiation of catecholamine release, rapid and preferential deposition in bone, and excretion principally in the feces. Humans over 60 years of age appear to be at high risk to developing cardiac arrhythmias following the barium enema. The current United States drinking water standard of 1.0 mg/l is based on several faulty assumptions and should be critically reevaluated.
Patent•
09 Feb 1979
TL;DR: In this article, a self-contained treatment apparatus for a body of water includes a mounting assembly having flotation elements for fixedly supporting a circulation or agitation device below the surface of the water and driving or motor mechanism above the water surface.
Abstract: Self-contained treatment apparatus for a body of water includes a mounting assembly having flotation elements for fixedly supporting a circulation or agitation device below the surface of the water and driving or motor mechanism above the water surface. Actuation of the motor mechanism operates the circulation or agitation device such that naturally occurring oxygen-saturated water near the surface is drawn downwardly and mixed with the lower oxygen deficient reaches of the body of water and effecting a net increase in dissolved oxygen content. Optionally, actuation of the motor mechanism operates a bubble generator adjacent the water surface so that the air bubbles generated are drawn down with the oxygen-saturated surface water, where oxygen from the bubbles dissolves into the surrounding oxygen-deficient water, thus accelerating the improvement in dissolved oxygen content. Additionally, structure may be included for selective directional control of the oxygen-enriched discharge stream, so that a gentle flushing action can be applied against nutrient-rich sediments, sludges or residues accumulating on the bottom, thereby further improving the water quality.
TL;DR: In this article, the first known attempt to determine the concentrations of major chemical and trace constituents and nutrients contributed to the State's streams by natural processes was made, and the preliminary findings obtained from the baseline network through 1978.
Abstract: From introduction: This report presents the preliminary findings obtained from the baseline network through 1978. For North Carolina, it represents the first known attempt to determine the concentrations of major chemical and trace constituents and nutrients contributed to the State's streams by natural processes.
01 Jun 1979
TL;DR: Water quality tests of Hanford ground water in and adjacent to the 300 Area showed that in the area of the Process Water Trenches and Sanitary Leaching Trenches, calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate, and sulfate ions are more dilute, and nitrate and chloride ions were more concentrated than in surrounding areas.
Abstract: Ground water enters the 300 Area from the northwest, west, and southwest. However, throughout most of the 300 Area, the flow is to the east and southeast. Ground water flows to the northeast only in the southern portion of the 300 Area. Variations in level of the Columbia River affected the ground-water system by altering the level and shape of the 300 Area watertable. Large quantities of process waste water, when warmed during summer months by solar radiation or cooled during winter months by ambient air temperature, influenced the temperature of the ground water. Leaking pipes and the intentional discharge of waste water (or withdrawal of ground water) affected the ground-water system in the 300 Area. Water quality tests of Hanford ground water in and adjacent to the 300 Area showed that in the area of the Process Water Trenches and Sanitary Leaching Trenches, calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate, and sulfate ions are more dilute, and nitrate and chloride ions are more concentrated than in surrounding areas. Fluoride, uranium, and beta emitters are more concentrated in ground water along the bank of the Columbia River in the central and southern portions of the 300 Area and near the 340 Building. Testmore » wells and routine ground-water sampling are adequate to point out contamination. The variable Thickness Transient (VTT) Model of ground-water flow in the unconfined aquifer underlying the 300 Area has been set up, calibrated, and verified. The Multicomponent Mass Transfer (MMT) Model of distribution of contaminants in the saturated regime under the 300 Area has been set up, calibrated, and tested.« less