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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
09:38
Understanding Dissolved Organic Matter Biogeochemistry Through In Situ Nutrient Manipulations in Stream Ecosystems
Published on: October 29, 2016
11.1K
Changing climate and nutrient transfers: Evidence from high temporal resolution concentration-flow dynamics in
M C Ockenden1, C E Deasy2, C McW H Benskin1
1Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, England, UK.
The Science of the Total Environment
|January 25, 2016
Summary
Climate change and agriculture will increase pollutant transfer to streams. Future rainfall patterns may raise annual phosphorus loads by 9%, impacting stream health and water quality targets.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Climate change and intensive agriculture are predicted to increase land-to-water pollutant transfer.
- This poses a significant risk to the health of freshwater ecosystems and water quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an integrated assessment of nutrient transfers from agricultural catchments.
- To estimate the impact of projected climate change on phosphorus loads and stream health.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-frequency data from two agricultural catchments.
- Performed event-by-event nutrient transfer analysis and concentration duration curve analysis.
- Applied a linear model to relate storm rainfall to phosphorus load, incorporating climate projections.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of suspended sediment and 80% of total phosphorus (TP) load occurred during high discharge events.
- Projected increases in winter rainfall by the 2050s may raise annual TP event loads by approximately 9% under current agricultural practices.
- Dry periods followed by rain events resulted in high phosphorus concentrations, potentially exceeding water quality thresholds more frequently.
Conclusions:
- Land management practices targeting soil nutrient status, soil condition, and crop cover are crucial for building stream resilience.
- Mitigating diffuse agricultural water pollution requires proactive adaptation to climate change impacts.
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