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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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A Flow-through Exposure System for Evaluating Suspended Sediments Effects on Aquatic Life
Published on: January 9, 2017
Impacts on water quality in the upper Elbow River
1Southern Region, Alberta Environment, 3rd Fl., 2938-11 St., NE, Calgary, AB, Canada. AI.Sosiak@gov.ab.ca
Summary
Water quality in the Elbow River is declining, with nutrient and sediment pollution increasing. Agricultural and residential runoff, along with groundwater, are key contributors, impacting this vital Alberta watershed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Quality Management
- River Ecology
Background:
- Recent studies indicate a decline in Elbow River water quality upstream of Calgary, Alberta.
- Understanding spatial and temporal trends is crucial for effective water resource management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify trends in water quality parameters within the Elbow River basin.
- To pinpoint contributing factors and sources of pollution.
- To assess nutrient and bacterial contamination patterns.
Main Methods:
- Water sampling across the Elbow River basin to analyze spatial and temporal trends.
- Identification of pollution sources, including urban runoff, agricultural discharge, and groundwater.
- Bacterial source tracking using DNA markers.
Main Results:
- Total phosphorus (TP) and total suspended solids (TSS) primarily originate from sources near Calgary during low flows.
- High flows lead to increased TSS from upstream sources.
- Increasing trends in dissolved phosphorus (TDP), ammonia, and nitrate + nitrite indicate ongoing nutrient enrichment.
- Fecal coliforms show a significant increasing trend at a downstream site.
- Bacterial source tracking revealed ruminant animal DNA markers throughout the basin, with no human markers detected.
Conclusions:
- Nutrient and sediment pollution pose a significant threat to the Elbow River's water quality.
- Urban development, agriculture, and groundwater are key contributors to the observed water quality deterioration.
- Ruminant livestock are a likely source of fecal contamination, necessitating targeted management strategies.
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