Recent Papers in River-Basin and Watershed Management
Content Table
- Using remotely sensed imagery to estimate potential annual pollutant loads in river basins
- Between a rock and a hard place: incompatible objectives at the heart of river basin planning?
- Economic analysis in the process of the preparation of river basin management plans in Slovenia: the Drava River Basin pilot study
- Going with the flow: river basins as the natural units for water management?
- Evaluating stakeholder involvement in river basin planning: a Scottish case study
- Nonpoint source pollution management for the multipurpose dam watersheds
- Nonpoint source pollution management for the multipurpose dam watersheds
- Integrated modelling under uncertainty in watershed-level assessment and management
- Applicability of modelling tools in watershed management for controlling diffuse pollution
- Analysis and modelling of land-based nutrient pollution by watershed models coupled with GIS: a case study from Turkey
Using remotely sensed imagery to estimate potential annual pollutant loads in river basins
Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 60 No 8 pp 2009–2015 © IWA Publishing 2009 doi:10.2166/wst.2009.596
Bin He, Kazuo Oki, Yi Wang and Taikan Oki
Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Be605, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan E-mail: hebin@rainbow.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Institute for Sustainability and Peace, UNU Centre, United Nations University, 5-53-70, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan E-mail: ywang@hq.unu.edu
Abstract
Land cover changes around river basins have caused serious environmental degradation in global surface water areas, in which the direct monitoring and numerical modeling is inherently difficult. Prediction of pollutant loads is therefore crucial to river environmental management under the impact of climate change and intensified human activities. This research analyzed the relationship between land cover types estimated from NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery and the potential annual pollutant loads of river basins in Japan. Then an empirical approach, which estimates annual pollutant loads directly from satellite imagery and hydrological data, was investigated. Six water quality indicators were examined, including total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), suspended sediment (SS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). The pollutant loads of TN, TP, SS, BOD, COD, and DO were then estimated for 30 river basins in Japan. Results show that the proposed simulation technique can be used to predict the pollutant loads of river basins in Japan. These results may be useful in establishing total maximum annual pollutant loads and developing best management strategies for surface water pollution at river basin scale.
Between a rock and a hard place: incompatible objectives at the heart of river basin planning?
Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 59 No 3 pp 425–431 © IWA Publishing 2009 doi:10.2166/wst.2009.879
K. L. Blackstock
Socio-Economics Research Group, Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK E-mail: k.blackstock@macaulay.ac.uk
Abstract
River Basin Management Planning (RBMP) is a policy that seeks to integrate multiple objectives for water bodies, that is enacted at multiple scales and through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, using an adaptive management cycle. Insights from spatial planning and community planning literatures illustrate how many challenges are not particular to RBMP but are fundamental to strategic planning in modern society. The literatures draw attention to the institutional arrangements governing these complex collaborations. The emerging findings are a series of tensions that resonate with the wider literatures (such as between efficiency and inclusion of all voices, quick delivery and implementing best practice). Thus, to what extent are these short-term implementation problems or a deeper and more fundamental clash of policy objectives?
Economic analysis in the process of the preparation of river basin management plans in Slovenia: the Drava River Basin pilot study
Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 59 No 2 pp 353–358 © IWA Publishing 2009 doi:10.2166/wst.2009.885
J. Dodi
and A. Bizjak
Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia, Hajdrihova 28c, Ljubljana, Slovenia E-mail: janez.dodic@izvrs.si; ales.bizjak@izvrs.si
Abstract
According to the EU Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive, hereinafter called: WFD), several steps have to be worked out on the way towards the good water status. For this goal, some of the main elements of the river basin management plans are the programme of measures. The programme of measures has to include basic and supplementary measures. In addition, it has to check the implementation of European Directives into the national law and has to estimate the effects of these rules on the quality of the water bodies. If these regulations are not sufficient to reach the good status of water, supplementary measures have to be applied. The paper gives an overview of how basic and supplementary measures for wastewater treatment were considered in the Drava River Basin. The main stress is given to the implementation of the EU Directive 91/271/EEC (the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, hereinafter called: UWWTD), as part of the basic measures as defined in Annex VI of WFD and its results in the Drava River Basin.
Going with the flow: river basins as the natural units for water management?
Water Policy Vol 10 No S2 pp 121–138 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wp.2008.210
Jeroen Warnera, Philippus Westerb and Alex Boldingb
aCorresponding author. Disaster Studies Group, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6708 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands. E-mail: jeroenwarner@gmail.com
bIrrigation and Water Engineering group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
Abstract
This article engages with the currently hegemonic status of a triad of water policy prescriptions: multi-stakeholder platforms, integrated water resources management, and river basin management. A more reflective approach that opens up the choices underlying these concepts, and their limits, is needed. The choice to manage water on the basis of river basins is a political choice, and thus river basins are as much political units as they are natural units. The article concludes that the delineation of river basin boundaries, the structuring of stakeholder representation, and the creation of institutional arrangements for river basin management are political processes that revolve around matters of choice, and hence require democratic debate.
Evaluating stakeholder involvement in river basin planning: a Scottish case study
Water Policy Vol 9 No 5 pp 493–512 © IWA Publishing 2007 doi:10.2166/wp.2007.018
Kirsty L. Blackstocka and Caspian Richardsb
aCorresponding author. Socio-Economics Research Group, Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB15 8QH, . Tel: +444 1224 498200k.blackstock@macaulay.ac.uk
bEnvironmental and Organisational Strategy Directorate, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, SEPA Corporate Office, Erskine Court, Castle Business Park, Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4TR,
Abstract
River basin management demonstrates the increasing importance of active stakeholder involvement within environmental governance, whereby planning and implementation relies on outcomes from collective reasoned discussion. However, claims that stakeholder involvement improves environmental governance are rarely subject to critical examination. This lack of evaluation is problematic for several reasons including: lack of reflection on the purpose of involvement processes or their limitations; a poor conceptualisation of who should be defined as a stakeholder; how different knowledge claims should be treated; and how power relationships affect the process dynamics. This paper engages with the theoretical claims for active involvement and uses a Scottish case study to illustrate to what extent these claims were met during a river basin planning process. The evaluation highlights lessons for policy makers designing river basin management plans, particularly in the context of the pressing timetable for the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive. These lessons include how to maximise these benefits whilst proactively managing conflicts that occur, particularly when trying to sustain a coalition of individuals representing broader organisations and constituencies in a time-consuming and challenging process.
Nonpoint source pollution management for the multipurpose dam watersheds
Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 57 No 11 pp 1835–1841 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.271
J.-Y. Choi
Policy Research Group, Korea Environment Institute, 613-2 Bulgwang-Dong, Eunpyeng-Gu, Seoul, Korea jychoi@kei.re.kr
Abstract
Main pollution sources in multipurpose dam watersheds in Korea are highland fields, stream banks, livestock farms, roads, and construction sites. Specifically, highland fields are the major nonpoint pollution sources. Excessive organic chemicals such as fertilizer and pesticide can be exuded from the land, and the area is likely to be eroded by heavy rain. Fallow, conservative cultivation, and covering can be alternatives for soil protection and reinforcement. In addition to these, construction of detour waterways and improvement of irrigation method can minimize the impact of runoff. In the case of slope in 15% degree or more, prohibiting cultivation and restoring the surface is preferred to improving cultivation method in order to control nonpoint pollution sources efficiently.
Nonpoint source pollution management for the multipurpose dam watersheds
Water Science & Technology—WST Vol 57 No 11 pp 1835–1841 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/wst.2008.271
J.-Y. Choi
Policy Research Group, Korea Environment Institute, 613-2 Bulgwang-Dong, Eunpyeng-Gu, Seoul, Korea jychoi@kei.re.kr
Abstract
Main pollution sources in multipurpose dam watersheds in Korea are highland fields, stream banks, livestock farms, roads, and construction sites. Specifically, highland fields are the major nonpoint pollution sources. Excessive organic chemicals such as fertilizer and pesticide can be exuded from the land, and the area is likely to be eroded by heavy rain. Fallow, conservative cultivation, and covering can be alternatives for soil protection and reinforcement. In addition to these, construction of detour waterways and improvement of irrigation method can minimize the impact of runoff. In the case of slope in 15% degree or more, prohibiting cultivation and restoring the surface is preferred to improving cultivation method in order to control nonpoint pollution sources efficiently.
Integrated modelling under uncertainty in watershed-level assessment and management
Water Science & Technology Vol 56 No 8 pp 31–39 © IWA Publishing 2007 doi:10.2166/wst.2007.594
J.H. Ham*, C.G. Yoon** , K.W. Jung** and J.H. Jang**
*School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA (E-mail: jh438@cornell.edu)
**Environmental Science Department, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea (E-mail: chunyoon@konkuk.ac.kr; jungkw@konkuk.ac.kr; jyj5792@hanmail.net)
Abstract
Uncertainty in water quality model predictions is inevitably high due to natural stochasticity, model uncertainty, and parameter uncertainty. An integrated modelling system (modified-BASINS) under uncertainty is described and demonstrated for use in receiving-water quality prediction and watershed management. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to investigate the effect of various uncertainty types on output prediction. Without pollution control measures in the watershed, the concentrations of total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P) in the Hwaong Reservoir, considering three uncertainty types, would be less than about 4.4 and 0.23 mg L-1, respectively, in 2012, with 90% confidence. The effects of two watershed management practices, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and constructed wetlands (WETLAND), were evaluated. The combined scenario (WWTP + WETLAND) was the most effective at improving reservoir water quality, bringing concentrations of T-N and T-P in the Hwaong Reservoir to less than 3.4 and 0.14 mg L-1, 24 and 41% improvements, respectively, with 90% confidence. Overall, the Monte Carlo simulation in the integrated modelling system was practical for estimating uncertainty and reliable in water quality prediction. The approach described here may allow decisions to be made based on the probability and level of risk, and its application is recommended.
Applicability of modelling tools in watershed management for controlling diffuse pollution
Water Science & Technology Vol 56 No 1 pp 147–154 © IWA Publishing 2007 doi:10.2166/wst.2007.446
A. Erturk*, M. Gurel*, M.A. Baloch*, T. Dikerler*, A. Ekdal*, A. Tanik* and D.Z. Seker**
Abstract
Diffuse pollution is hard to analyze, control and manage by its nature. Watershed models and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are recently developed tools that aid analysis of diffuse sources of pollution. However, their applications are not always easy and straightforward. Turkey is a typical example of a mountainous country rich in rivers and streams. Due to the complex geomorphology, land-use and agricultural practices in most of the watersheds in Turkey, modelling, analyzing and managing diffuse pollution has been a challenge. The complex watershed structure forces the modellers to work with spatially high resolution data. Apart from the data, the models themselves may also cause operational problems. These issues and their probable solutions form the basis of the discussions in this paper. It acts as a guideline for modelling and analyzing diffuse pollution by emphasizing the referred problems and difficulties. Design of an Information Technology-based system tool for watershed and/or water quality modelling, which would be suitable for countries having watersheds with similar structure and problems to those of Turkey, is also outlined.
Analysis and modelling of land-based nutrient pollution by watershed models coupled with GIS: a case study from Turkey
Water Science & Technology Vol 55 No 3 pp 115–122 © IWA Publishing 2007 doi:10.2166/wst.2007.079
A. Erturk*, M. Gurel*, E. Varol*, A. Ekdal*, M. Baloch*, T. Dikerler*, D.Z. Seker** and A. Tanik*
*Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 34469, Maslak-Istanbul, , Turkey (E-mail: aerturk@ins.itu.edu.tr; mgurel@ins.itu.edu.tr; evrenvarol@hotmail.com; aekdal@ins.itu.edu.tr; maahbaloch@yahoo.com; teomandikerler@yahoo.com; tanika@itu.edu.tr)
**Department of Geodesy and Photogrammetry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 34469, Maslak-Istanbul, , Turkey (E-mail: dzseker@ins.itu.edu.tr)
Abstract
Diffuse pollution is usually temporally and spatially uncertain, and thus hard to analyze. In many cases, discretizing a diffuse source of pollution into individual point sources can ease diffuse pollution modelling and analysis, and therefore reduce high uncertainty especially in the spatial distribution of pollution loads. This is however a difficult task, since quite a number of sub-drainage areas, with complex structures and land-use properties, has to be delineated. Watershed models can be used to delineate the sub-drainage areas in a watershed with high accuracy and locate the related outlets which connect the sub-drainage areas to the main waterbody in a watershed. In this study, such an approach has been used on a case study to model the diffuse nutrient loads carried to streams that reach to a medium-sized lake in Turkey. The annual nutrient loads, which were calculated by using mathematical models, were then converted to a load-map with the help of a geographical information system.
