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Use of spatially distributed time-integrated sediment sampling networks and distributed fine sediment modelling to inform catchment management

Perks, M.T.; Warburton, J.; Bracken, L.J.; Reaney, S.M.; Emery, S.B.; Hirst, S.

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Authors

M.T. Perks

L.J. Bracken

S.B. Emery

S. Hirst



Abstract

Under the EU Water Framework Directive, suspended sediment is omitted from environmental quality standards and compliance targets. This omission is partly explained by difficulties in assessing the complex dose-response of ecological communities. But equally, it is hindered by a lack of spatially distributed estimates of suspended sediment variability across catchments. In this paper, we demonstrate the inability of traditional, discrete sampling campaigns for assessing exposure to fine sediment. Sampling frequencies based on Environmental Quality Standard protocols, whilst reflecting typical manual sampling constraints, are unable to determine the magnitude of sediment exposure with an acceptable level of precision. Deviations from actual concentrations range between −35 and +20% based on the interquartile range of simulations. As an alternative, we assess the value of low-cost, suspended sediment sampling networks for quantifying suspended sediment transfer (SST). In this study of the 362 km2 upland Esk catchment we observe that spatial patterns of sediment flux are consistent over the two year monitoring period across a network of 17 monitoring sites. This enables the key contributing sub-catchments of Butter Beck (SST: 1141 t km2 yr−1) and Glaisdale Beck (SST: 841 t km2 yr−1) to be identified. The time-integrated samplers offer a feasible alternative to traditional infrequent and discrete sampling approaches for assessing spatio-temporal changes in contamination. In conjunction with a spatially distributed diffuse pollution model (SCIMAP), time-integrated sediment sampling is an effective means of identifying critical sediment source areas in the catchment, which can better inform sediment management strategies for pollution prevention and control.

Citation

Perks, M., Warburton, J., Bracken, L., Reaney, S., Emery, S., & Hirst, S. (2017). Use of spatially distributed time-integrated sediment sampling networks and distributed fine sediment modelling to inform catchment management. Journal of Environmental Management, 202, 469-478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.01.045

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 19, 2017
Online Publication Date Feb 6, 2017
Publication Date Feb 6, 2017
Deposit Date Sep 8, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of Environmental Management
Print ISSN 0301-4797
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 202
Pages 469-478
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.01.045

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