Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Evaluation of Riparian Zones for Controlling Non-point Source Pollution in NE Kansas
EPA Grant Number: R829418E03Title: Evaluation of Riparian Zones for Controlling Non-point Source Pollution in NE Kansas
Investigators: Hutchinson, Stacy Lewis , Young, C. Bryan , Mankin, Kyle R. , Barden, Charles
Institution: Kansas State University , University of Kansas
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: September 24, 2001 through September 23, 2003 (Extended to February 23, 2005)
Project Amount: $254,770
RFA: EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) (2000) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: EPSCoR (The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research)
Objective:
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution has been called the nation’s largest water quality problem, and its reduction is a major challenge facing society today. Lack of NPS or diffuse pollution control has resulted in approximately 40 percent of rivers, lakes, and estuaries being unfit for fishing and swimming. Understandingmanagement techniques for the reduction of NPS pollution will help states comply with federal water quality laws and improve surface water quality. Establishment and maintenance of riparian buffer systems is a NPS pollution reduction tool that needs to be optimized.
The objectives of this research project were to: (1) evaluate and modify a comprehensive riparian buffer simulation model (Riparian Ecosystem Management Model; REMM) for evaluation of ecosystem and NPS pollution control functions of buffer systems in Kansas; and (2) design a field study based on the model sensitivity analysis to develop a complete field dataset for calibrating and evaluating REMM in Kansas, including the collection of pesticide and fecal bacteria data for future model algorithm development.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
The first step toward accomplishing our objectives was to conduct a model sensitivity analysis to determine the importance of each major model parameter. This step also examined whether REMM’s theoretical description of buffer zone behavior is mathematically well posed. In general, the relationships between input and output variables were linear, and thus this analysis was sufficient to evaluate model performance. The six daily weather parameters most strongly influenced REMM output responses. Therefore, onsite weather information should be used in REMM when the model is tested and calibrated. Deep seepage, volumetric water, pore size index, and Manning’s coefficient were identified as the most important parameters in the buffer soil profile for water movement, sediment yield, and nutrient transport. In addition, specific leaf area, growing degree day, and maximum root depth in the vegetation editor were sensitive input for calculating riparian water quality. REMM was not sensitive to depth to bedrock, the fraction of normal root growth (SFT), rainfall duration, pH, base saturation, and sources of heartwood. The model response for subsurface nitrate output, however, was extremely sensitive to most input variations and had a nonlinear relationship for most results. As a result, this algorithm should be carefully reassessed so that accurate estimates of nutrient concentrations and movement, including nitrate concentration, are calculated within the riparian buffer zones. In addition, several model operating errors, such as run-errors for soil porosity, were encountered during the course of this study and may require modifications. Thus, results from the sensitivity analysis indicated that employing the REMM model in different regions of the United States would be difficult based on its lack of sensitivity to vegetation parameters (difficult to assess the function of different regional vegetation) and extreme sensitivity to weather parameters.
The second phase consisted of the design and implementation of field sites for model development and field data collection to validate and calibrate the model. Several field sites were established: (1) Mill Creek tributary, Wabaunsee County, Kansas; (2) Mall Creek, Clay County, Kansas; and (3) Three Mile Creek tributary, Geary County, Kansas. Each site was instrumented with overland flow runoff samplers at the entrance and exit of the buffer.
Because of the difficulties with the REMM sensitivity analysis and the lack of model response to critical shifts in input parameters, we decided to not use REMM. Instead, efforts to use spatial data in a geographic information system framework with the Arc Hydro toolbox and the Water Erosion Prediction Program were used to assess buffer function. The development of several high-resolution digital elevation models from site-specific surveys allowed for detailed overland flow path development. Analysis of the overland flow indicated that the majority of upland runoff did not flow through the buffer, and, therefore, water quality benefits of buffers located in northeast Kansas are related more to the overland flow regime (i.e., sheet flow vs. concentrated flow) than to the buffer type or dimensions. As a result, the ability to model overland flow with high levels of accuracy far outweighs the fate and transport modeling of NPS pollutants in buffers (e.g. REMM).
This grant has served as the foundation for a research program focused on the use of riparian buffer zones for controlling NPS pollution from agriculture, military, and urban landscapes. Several advances in buffer knowledge and modeling include: (1) conducted the first independent, comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the leading riparian ecosystem design model, REMM, and found serious limitations in using the model outside the southeast United States, where it was originally developed; (2) established three field sites for data collection and model development, calibration, and validation; and (3) pioneering micotopological analysis of riparian buffer flow paths and the corresponding effects on pollutant fate and transport. Advances made through this work will impact riparian buffer design and installation across the Midwest.
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Other project views: | All 11 publications | 2 publications in selected types | All 2 journal articles |
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Type | Citation | ||
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Kim I-J, Hutchinson SL, Hutchinson JMS, Young CB. Riparian ecosystem management model:sensitivity to soil, vegetation, and weather input parameters. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 2007;43(5):1171-1182. |
R829418E03 (Final) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
non-point source pollution, riparian buffer, REMM,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Health, Waste, Water, Geographic Area, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Contaminated Sediments, Environmental Chemistry, Remediation, State, Chemistry, Technology, Risk Assessments, Monitoring/Modeling, Biochemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Engineering, environmental technology, environmental measurement, riparian buffer simulation model, biodegradation, contaminated sediment, remediation technologies, non-point source pollution, riparian buffers, bioremediation of soils, human exposure, Kansas (KS), engineering, biotechnology, assessment methods, water qualityRelevant Websites:
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/ ExitProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.