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Published on: September 12, 2017
Assessing catchment-scale erosion and yields of suspended solids from improved temperate grassland
G S Bilotta1, T Krueger, R E Brazier
1School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Brighton, UK BN2 4GJ. G.S.Bilotta@brighton.ac.uk
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|May 7, 2010
Summary
Improved temperate grasslands can be erosive, releasing significant suspended solids (SS). This study highlights the ecological threat SS poses to aquatic ecosystems, urging a re-evaluation of grassland management practices for water quality compliance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Erosion Science
Background:
- Temperate grasslands are often perceived as non-erosive, with limited data on suspended solids (SS) yields at the catchment scale in the UK.
- Assessing the ecological threat of SS requires methods beyond traditional annual yield estimations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify SS yields from an improved temperate grassland headwater catchment in the UK.
- To evaluate the ecological threat posed by SS to aquatic ecosystems.
- To develop an alternative method for assessing SS impacts on water quality.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution monitoring of catchment hydrology, SS, and volatile organic matter (VOM) concentrations.
- Estimation of SS yields using the 'rating curve' (discharge-concentration) approach within an uncertainty framework.
- Development and application of a concentration-frequency curve technique to assess ecological threats.
Main Results:
- Estimated SS yields ranged from 0.54 to 1.21 t ha(-1) y(-1), indicating grasslands can be erosive.
- Discharge was found to be a poor predictor of SS concentrations, leading to uncertainty in rating curve estimates.
- Concentration-frequency analysis revealed frequent exceedances of water quality guidelines, posing a significant threat to aquatic life.
Conclusions:
- Improved temperate grasslands can be a significant source of suspended solids, contrary to common perception.
- Conventional annual SS yield estimates may not adequately represent the ecological risk to surface waters.
- A concentration-frequency approach is crucial for accurately assessing the ecological threat of SS and ensuring water quality compliance.
