Restoring and maintaining the water body integrity is the goal of water quality and diffuse pollution control efforts both in North America (TMDL process) and Europe (Water Framework Directive).
Diffuse pollution is caused both by pollutant discharges from land sources as well as land use and other activities that impair habitat, modify hydrology or adversely impact riparian zones.
On a regional (watershed) scale, diffuse pollution is related to the difference between the watershed retention capacity for pollutants and input or emissions of the pollutants within the watershed.
The watershed retention capacity is related to the capacity controlling parameters. Watershed vulnerability classification identifies watersheds producing or being susceptible to producing excessive diffuse pollution. Watershed vulnerability is affected by the various watershed morphological, land use, hydrological characteristics and land use characteristics.
A hierarchical model can link the biotic integrity endpoints to the habitat, water and sediment risks, and to the stressor causing the risks.
Developing watershed vulnerability classification linking the biotic integrity with watershed stressors will enhance targeting and prioritization of watersheds requiring abatement of diffuse pollution. It is also required by the EU Water Framework Directive.
Information & Contact:
Ing.-Dr. Vladimír Novotny
CDM Chair Professor
Northeastern University
Boston MA 02115
USA
