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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
13:48
Design and Construction of an Urban Runoff Research Facility
Published on: August 8, 2014
Farmyards, an overlooked source for highly contaminated runoff
Anthony C Edwards1, David Kay, Adrian T McDonald
1Nether Backhill, Ardallie, By Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, UK. t.edwards25@btinternet.com
Journal of Environmental Management
|January 9, 2008
Summary
Farm runoff from hardstanding areas is heavily contaminated with fecal matter indicators and nutrients. Roof runoff also contributes contaminants like phosphorus and zinc, impacting water quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Water Quality Analysis
Background:
- Storm runoff from dairy/beef farms carries microbiological and chemical pollutants.
- Farm hardstandings and roofs are potential sources of contamination.
- Understanding runoff quality is crucial for managing agricultural environmental impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological and chemical quality of storm runoff from farm roofs and hardstandings.
- To quantify pollutant levels and identify sources of contamination.
- To assess the impact of farmyards on local aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
- Summer sampling of storm runoff from four dairy/beef farms.
- Analysis of microbiological (faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci) and chemical (nutrients, organic carbon, zinc) parameters.
- Comparison of runoff from hardstanding versus roof areas and upstream/downstream water quality.
Main Results:
- Hardstanding runoff showed significantly higher concentrations of faecal coliforms, nutrients, and organic carbon compared to roof runoff.
- Roof runoff contained notable levels of faecal streptococci, phosphorus, and zinc.
- Farmyards were identified as sources of multiple contaminants during both wet and dry periods.
Conclusions:
- Both hardstandings and roofs contribute to farm runoff contamination, with hardstandings being a major source of faecal indicators and nutrients.
- Organic nitrogen and phosphorus were significant components of dissolved runoff fractions.
- Farmyards can have substantial local and downstream impacts on aquatic ecosystems, especially in headwaters and small streams.
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