Estimation of Nutrient Loading in the Great Lakes Watershed Using Binational SPARROW Models

Session: Poster session

David Saad, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Glenn Benoy, International Joint Commission, [email protected]
Dale Robertson, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Ivana Vouk, [email protected]
Richard Burcher, National Research Council of Canada, [email protected]
Craig Johnston, U.S. Geological Survey, [email protected]
Lizhu Wang, International Joint Commission, [email protected]

Abstract

Excessive nutrients (primarily phosphorus, P and nitrogen, N) have been a persistent problem in streams, lakes and estuaries throughout the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States.  To help understand the distribution, origin and sources of nutrients delivered to the Lakes, SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) watershed models have been developed for this region.  SPARROW models require comprehensive data to describe contaminant sources and watershed characteristics throughout the entire area being modeled and are calibrated against estimated loads at monitoring locations across the basin. The binational extent of this area required substantial cooperation between scientists from multiple federal, state/provincial, and local agencies to create the harmonized datasets needed for model input. Model output includes estimated loads at more than 1,000,000 stream reaches. Model results from this effort are being used to: 1) estimate the P and N input to each of the Great Lakes, as well as adjacent major watersheds (Upper Mississippi River, Ohio River and Lake Winnipeg); 2) compare loading and yields from various tributaries and governances; and 3) estimate the relative importance of each nutrient source.

1. Keyword
nutrients

2. Keyword
watersheds

3. Keyword
modeling

4. Additional Keyword
SPARROW

5. Additional Keyword
binational