A basin scale risk assessment using a lotic ecosystem trophic index
- Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK (United States)
Nutrient enrichment, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, are principal contaminants to lotic ecosystems from agricultural nonpoint sources. Increased nutrient loading associated with human activity results in accelerated eutrophication of the lotic ecosystem. The authors have developed an in-situ method for estimating the primary productivity of a lotic ecosystem, determining the limiting nutrient at a given site, estimating the maximum potential productivity of a stream reach, and predicting the lotic ecosystem response to increased levels of specific nutrients. This method employs a quantifiable nutrient enrichment system based on passive diffusion across a semipermeable membrane. Using this system, the authors have monitored the trophic status of seven stream reaches within sensitive watersheds in the Upper Illinois River Basin in Oklahoma to determine the ecological risk posed by agricultural activities. The authors have developed a lotic ecosystem trophic status index based on the ratio of base-line primary productivity to maximum potential productivity. This trophic status index has been coupled with SIMPLE, a GIS-based terrestrial nutrient transport model, to link ecological effects with nonpoint sources of pollution.
- OSTI ID:
- 40133
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9410273-; TRN: IM9520%%328
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 15. annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Denver, CO (United States), 30 Oct - 3 Nov 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 15th annual meeting: Abstract book. Ecological risk: Science, policy, law, and perception; PB: 286 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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