Identifying watershed Critical Source Areas to control Non-Point Source Pollution

Session: Poster session

Nabil Allataifeh, University of Guelph, [email protected]
Prasad Daggupati Daggupati, University of Guelph, [email protected]
Pradeep Goel, ON Ministry of Environment, [email protected]
Ramesh Rudra, University of Guelph, [email protected]

Abstract

Water resources impairments due to elevated levels of nutrients and sediments is a serious global problem that is attributed to Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution from agricultural practices. NPS is diffuse in nature and is therefore complex to control. However, globally, Best Management Practices (BMPs) are being implemented in agricultural fields to reduce NPS pollution. BMP success in mitigating NPS pollution is highly related to the placement location in the watershed using strategies such as identifying Critical Source Areas (CSAs).

In the proposed poster, AGNPS and SWAT models will be tested to accurately identify CSAs at the sub-basin and field scales. CSA’s will be identified in a representative watershed in South Western Ontario, Canada which contributes to Lake Erie. Geospatial data along with monitoring data for water quality and quantity will be analyzed at sub-basin and field scales. Results from this study will help in identifying CSA’s to implement BMPs. The procedure can play a major role in controlling NPS pollution from reaching waterbodies by investigating different scenarios. 

1. Keyword
pollution sources

2. Keyword
pollutants

3. Keyword
conservation

4. Additional Keyword
Critical source Areas

5. Additional Keyword
nonpoint-source pollution

6. Additional Keyword
best management practices