Real-time estimation of TP load in a Mississippi Delta stream using a dynamic data driven application system.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• Elevated phosphorus (P) in surface waters leads to eutrophication, impacting aquatic ecosystems and water usability.
• Current methods lack cost-effective, real-time wireless sensors for monitoring total phosphorus (TP) variations and loads.
• Timely TP data is crucial for human health, drinking water safety, and managing rapid events like algal blooms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a dynamic data-driven application system (DDDAS) for real-time monitoring of TP variation and load in surface waters.
• To address the critical need for timely TP information in surface water ecosystems.
• To provide a cost-effective solution for continuous TP monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Developed a DDDAS integrating User Control, Schedule Run, and the Hydstra model.
• The Hydstra model accessed real-time data from US Geological Survey (USGS) monitoring stations.
• The system predicted real-time TP variation and load, visualized data, and issued email alerts for high TP levels.

Main Results:

• The DDDAS was applied for 30 days to monitor TP in Deer Creek, Mississippi.
• TP concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 0.48 mg L(-1), averaging 0.30 mg L(-1).
• The cumulative TP load in the stream was approximately 2.8 kg over the 30-day period.

Conclusions:

• The developed DDDAS is effective for estimating real-time TP variation and load in surface water.
• This system offers a valuable tool for water resource management and environmental protection.
• The DDDAS demonstrates the feasibility of real-time TP monitoring without expensive wireless sensors.