The application of high temporal resolution data in the management of eutrophic water-bodies in agricultural catchments

Abstract

Additions of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), from anthropogenic sources, enrich freshwaters and promote the growth of algae, reducing water quality. Despite the implementation of remediation measures in a number of countries, eutrophication of water-bodies is a continuing problem. By identifying the problem source of pollution in a freshwater system, remediation measures may be targeted to achieve recovery to at least good water quality status, a requirement under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Methods to identify the primary pollution source, such as load apportionment modelling (LAM), have been developed using low frequency data, typically monthly. With the advent of high frequency monitoring (often sub-hourly), testing established riverine and lacustrine hypotheses of P transfer is now possible.