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Basin-Scale Pollution Loads Analyzed Based on Coupled Empirical Models and Numerical Models

Author

Listed:
  • Man Zhang

    (School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Xiaolong Chen

    (Beijing Tsinghua Holdings Human Settlements Environment Institute, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Shuihua Yang

    (Yanshan Experimental High School, Yanshan 663100, China
    Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Zhen Song

    (Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Yonggui Wang

    (Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Qing Yu

    (Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract

Pollutant source apportionment is of great significance for water environmental protection. However, it is still challenging to accurately quantify pollutant loads at basin-scale. Refined analytical methods combined the pollution discharge coefficient method (PDCM), field observation, and numerical model (Soil & Water Assessment Tool, SWAT) to make quantitative source appointment in the Tuojiang River, a key tributary of the upper Yangtze River. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and ammonia nitrogen (N-NH4 + ) were analyzed. Results showed that the urban sewage treatment plant point source has the largest contribution to COD, TN, and N-NH4 + , while TP is mostly from the agricultural sources throughout the year. The total inflowing loads of pollution sources are significantly affected by rainfall. The overall pollution characteristics showed that pollutant loads present in different seasons are as follows: wet season > normal season > dry season. The month with the highest levels of pollutants is July in the wet season. Among the nine cities, the city that contributes the most COD, TN and N-NH4 + , is Neijiang, accounting for about 25%, and the city that contributes the most TP is Deyang, accounting for 23%. Among the sub-basins, the Fuxi River subbasin and Qiuxihe River subbasin contribute the most pollutant loads. The technical framework adopted in this paper can be used to accurately identify the types, administrative regions and sub-basins of the main pollution sources in the watershed, which is conducive to management and governance of the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Man Zhang & Xiaolong Chen & Shuihua Yang & Zhen Song & Yonggui Wang & Qing Yu, 2021. "Basin-Scale Pollution Loads Analyzed Based on Coupled Empirical Models and Numerical Models," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-19, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12481-:d:689117
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sipan Li & Qunxi Gong & Shaolei Yang, 2019. "Analysis of the Agricultural Economy and Agricultural Pollution Using the Decoupling Index in Chengdu, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-11, October.
    2. Nuno-Gonçalo Matias & Penny Johnes, 2012. "Catchment Phosphorous Losses: An Export Coefficient Modelling Approach with Scenario Analysis for Water Management," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 26(5), pages 1041-1064, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kai Zhang & Shunjie Wang & Shuyu Liu & Kunlun Liu & Jiayu Yan & Xuejia Li, 2022. "Water Environment Quality Evaluation and Pollutant Source Analysis in Tuojiang River Basin, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-17, July.

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