Bestimmung von Pflanzenbehandlungsmitteln in Wasser durch Online-Fest-Flüssig-Extraktion und HPLC-DAD

Determination of Pesticides in Water by On-line Solid-phase Extraction and HPLC-DAD This paper describes an HPLC on-line procedure for the determination of 29 relevant pesticides in water by diode-array detection using a compact HPLC-system with integrated column-switching. The sample – 5 mL – is injected with a large volume injection system on a precolumn cartridge (RP-C18). Enriched compounds are eluted in frontflush mode by columnswitching to a microbore column and separated with a gradient water/acetonitrile. During desorption the precolumn cartridge is heated at 80°C resulting in a comparable efficiency to the separation with direct injection. The procedure is fully automated for continuous monitoring of drinking-, ground-, and surface water with low contamination levels. Sample preparation is limited to a filtration step with an anion-exchange membrane filter to reduce natural contaminations e.g. humic acids simultaneously. For a concentration of 50 ng/L, the signal to noise ratio varies from 3:1 (Ethidimuron) up to 25:1 (Chloridazon). The standard deviations compare to the standardized HPLC-method DIN EN ISO 11369; the recovery rates are 100% and reproducible. The method was successfully tested on ruggedness with several sequences from a monitoring program. The precolumn cartridge needs replacement after 100 sample injections. Finally, this method was coupled with a benchtop mass-spectrometer (electrospray mode) without changing the chromatographic conditions. With selected ion monitoring (SIM) selectivity and detection sensitivity could be improved considerably compared to DAD-detection.     

Untersuchung der Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von einigen komplexbildenden Ionenaustauschern zur Kupferabtrennung aus natürlichen Wässern und Abwässern

Application of Some Complexing Ion Exchangers for Copper Recovery from Natural Water and Wastewater The rational use of water resources is one of the urgent environmental control problems. These problems can be solved by the treatment of sewage. Removal of different non‐ferrous heavy metal ions from wastewater is of great importance. Besides, the selective complexing ion exchangers are of interest because of their good sorption properties. The present paper is devoted to the study of some complexing resins for copper recovery from natural water and sewage. The following carboxylic resins were studied: the cation exchangers KB‐2T, KB‐4 and the amphoteric ion exchangers ANKB 35, AMF‐2T, and AMF‐2S (manufacturer – “TOKEM” company, Kemerovo, Russia). The exchangers investigated differed from each other both by their functional groups and by their matrix physical structures. The copper recovery from CuCl₂‐, CuSO₄‐, and Cu(NO₃)₂‐solutions was studied in batch‐experiments (in presence of NaCl, Na₂SO₄, and NaNO₃). The initial copper concentration in the solutions was 0.0002...0.008 mol/L; pH values were 1.0...5.0. After equilibrium (24 h) the resins were separated from the solution. The copper concentration in the solutions after the sorption was determined by the photometrical method with pyridylazoresorcin (λ = 500 nm). On the basis of the experimental data distribution ratio, the separation factors, equilibrium constants, and stability constants of copper complexes in the exchanger phase were calculated. It was found out in this work that the amphoteric ion exchanger AMF‐2T of macroreticular structure is the most effective for the copper sorption from sewage.     

Die neue EG‐Wasserrahmenrichtlinie: Bewertung der chemischen und ökologischen Qualität von Oberflächengewässern

The New EC Framework Water Directive: Assessment of the Chemical and Ecological Status of Surface Waters The main objective of the draft EC Framework Water Directive is the good quality of all surface waters. The directive provides for an assessment of the chemical status of surface waters (EU‐wide valid environmental quality standards for approximately 30 priority substances) and a five‐stage ecological classification of waters, comprising the stages high, good, moderate, poor, and bad. The starting point for the assessment are the reference conditions, which are defined as corresponding to high water quality and characterising a water status with no significant anthropogenic impact. The reference sites in the various water body types are to be selected using hydromorphological and physico‐chemical parameters and subsequently characterised by means of biological parameters. For surface waters, three groups of characteristics are provided for, namely: 1. with priority the biology – in the case of surface waters – with the four elements phytoplankton, macrophytes/phytobenthos, benthic invertebrate fauna, and fish fauna; 2. supporting the hydromorphology, e.g. flowing waters with the three elements hydrological regime, river continuity, and morphological conditions and 3. supporting the physico‐chemical conditions with the three elements general conditions, specific synthetic pollutants, and specific non synthetic pollutants (other than the priority substances of the chemical status).     

Gaschromatographische Bestimmung von polychlorierten Biphenylen in Wasser nach Headspace-Festphasenmikroextraktion

Gas-chromatographic Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Water after Headspace Solid-phase Microextraction Headspace-analytical techniques are usually applied to the determination of easily volatile substances in water, whereas semivolatiles are generally isolated by liquid-liquid or solid-phase extraction. In the present paper, a method is presented for isolating high boiling polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) using headspace solid-phase microextraction at elevated temperature. In spite of their low vapor pressure, the analytes are adsorbed very efficiently on a poly-dimethylsiloxane-coated fiber. Thus, in combination with GC/ECD, a very simple and sensitive solventless determination of PCB is accomplished. Using the simplest possible standard conditions, limits of determination in the lowest nanogram-per-liter range are achieved. Further increased sensitivity down to the ppq (parts per quadrillion) range is possible by stirring and increasing the sample volume and adsorption time. Moderate matrix effects have been observed in some surface and groundwaters.     

Solid‐Phase Removal of Dissolved Organic Species from Water and Identification by GC–MS

A method is described for the detection and identification of dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) in various water samples. Acid treated active silica gel sorbent (pH 3) was packed into a micro‐column and used as a solid‐phase extraction medium for adsorption of DOCs. Silica particles‐adsorbed‐organic species were then divided into equal portions followed by suspension into various organic solvents of different polarities such as methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and toluene. Suspended silica‐adsorbed‐organic species were shaken for 1 h at room temperature and the organic extracts were subjected to GC–MS analysis under temperature programming conditions for qualitative detection and identification of these species. Blank solvents and silica samples were also subjected to the same extraction procedures and GC–MS analysis for comparison. The mass spectrum of each eluted chromatographic peak was library searched or manually interpreted to identify the compound.     

Chromatographic Separation and Analytic Procedure for Priority Organic Pollutants in Urban Air

A separation procedure was developed for analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in urban air, while simultaneously eliminating the interfering compounds. This was carried out by optimization of a column chromatograph with regard to the eluent type (n‐hexane and n‐pentane), volume of eluent, type of sorbent material (silica gel and florisil) and activation level of the sorbent material. The determination of the level of PCBs and PAHs was carried out using gas chromatography (GC) equipped with a mass selective detector (MSD), while determination of the OCPs was carried out by GC equipped with an electron capture detector (μ‐ECD). The use of a silica gel column (10 g, 5% deactivated with H₂O) with 70 mL of n‐hexane gave satisfactory separation of PCBs from PAHs and OCPs. After collecting the PCBs with 70 mL of n‐hexane, 3·20 mL of n‐hexane:ethyl acetate, (1:1, v:v) was adequate for elution of the PAHs and OCPs from the column. The primary aim of this study was to develop a multimethod for analyses of PCBs, PAHs, and OCPs in urban air as well as reducing solvent and sorbent consumption and analysis time during the clean‐up procedure compared to the US EPA standard methods (EPA methods TO‐13A for PAHs and TO‐4A for both PCBs and OCPs).     

Percolation losses in paddy fields with a dynamic soil structure: model development and applications

The hydraulic characteristics of the plough pan of paddy fields provide continuous ponding conditions during the growing season and control the water use efficiency in wet rice production. Its saturated hydraulic conductivity K_s, however, exhibits a large spatiotemporal variability as a consequence of a highly dynamic soil structure involving temporary shrinkage cracks. Water flow through the earthen bunds surrounding the fields further contributes to the uncertainty in water flux calculations. The objective of this study was to develop a simple deterministic model with stochastic elements (‘PADDY‐FLUX’) for depiction of deep percolation, and to assess the effect of different water management scenarios on percolation in two channel command areas. Darcy's law is used as the fundamental equation for water flow calculations with the ponding water depth h as a time‐dependent variable. Flux uncertainty is estimated by a Monte‐Carlo‐type implementation. K_s is treated as a random variable of a bimodal probability density function (PDF), which is the weighted sum of two Gaussian PDFs (accounting for a matrix and a preferential flow domain). The weighing factor α is a function of h, reflecting an increasing risk for preferential flow situations after desiccation and the development of shrinkage cracks. Under‐bund percolation is calculated using transfer functions. The results demonstrate that percolation losses increase in the following order: continuous soil saturation < continuous flooding (CF) < mid‐season drainage and intermittent irrigation (MD + II) < mid‐season drainage and continuous flooding. The bunds contribute up to 54 and 17% to total fluxes under CF and MD + II, respectively. Preferential water fluxes are responsible for the major part of water losses as soon as desiccation causes the formation of shrinkage cracks. As a conclusion, continuous soil saturation should be promoted as the least water‐intensive irrigation regime, while intermittent irrigation is recommended only in case that irreversible shrinkage cracks have already developed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Based on Solidification of Floating Organic Droplet Multi‐residue Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls,Organochlorine, and Pyrethroid Pesticides in Aqueous Sample

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet (DLLME‐SFO) technique was successfully applied for simultaneous assay of eight polychlorinated biphenyls, two organochlorine, and four pyrethroid pesticides multi‐residue in aqueous samples by using GC‐electron capture detection. The effects of various parameters such as kind of extractant and dispersant and volume of them, extraction time, effect of salt addition, and pH were optimized. As a result, 5.0 µL 1‐dodecanol was chosen as extraction solvent, 600 µL methanol were used as dispersive solvent without salt addition, pH was adjusted to 7. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LOD) were ranged from 1.4 to 8.3 ng L^?1. Satisfactory linear range was observed from 5.0 to 2000 ng L^?1 with correlation coefficient better than 0.9909. Good precisions were also acquired with RSD better than 13.6% for all target analytes. The enrichment factors of the method were ranged from 786 to 1427. The method can be successfully applied to simultaneous separation and determination of three class residues in real water samples and good recoveries were obtained ranging from 76 to 130, 73 to 129, and 78 to 130% for tap water, lake water, and industrial waste water, respectively.     

Non‐point source pollution modelling using Soil and Water Assessment Tool and its parameter sensitivity analysis in Xin'anjiang catchment,China

Non‐point source pollution is a key issue in integrated river basin management around the world and has resulted in water contamination, aquatic ecology deterioration and eutrophication. Xin'anjiang catchment is the key drinking water source area for Hangzhou City, China. A promising model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) was applied to assess the non‐point source pollution and its effect on drinking water. Sensitivity analysis of model parameters was carried out using the Sequential Uncertainty Domain Parameter Fitting 2 sensitivity technique. Water discharge, sediment, total nitrogen and total phosphorus load processes from 2000 to 2010 were simulated, and the spatial distributions of non‐point source pollutants were evaluated at the catchment and administrative country levels. The results show that the hydrological parameters of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool were dominantly sensitive for non‐point source pollution simulation, including CN2, RCHRG_DP, ALPHA_BF, SOL_AWC, ESCO and SOL_K and the characteristic parameters of sub‐basins (viz. HRU_SLP and SLSUBBSN). Also, water quality parameters (viz. CH_EROD, NPERCO, RSDCO and PPERCO, PHOSKD, etc.) have a significant effect on nutrients. The model performance was very satisfactory, especially for runoff, sediment and total phosphorus simulation. The non‐point source pollutant load increased from 2001 to 2010 in the whole catchment. Total nitrogen load increased from 3428 tons (0.59 ton km^?2) to 7315 tons (1.25 ton km^?2), and total phosphorus load increased from 299 tons (0.05 ton km^?2) to 867 tons (0.15 ton km^?2). The contribution of rice land was the largest, accounting for nearly 95%, followed by tea garden (3.56%), winter wheat (1.37%), forest (0.07%) and grassland (0.02%). Moreover, She County and Xiuning County contributed more than half of the non‐point source pollutants. This study was expected to provide a method and reference for non‐point source pollution quantification and to support water quality management implementation in China. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessing the impacts of climate change on water quantity and quality modelling in small Slovenian Mediterranean catchment – lesson for policy and decision makers

The study aims to address the long‐term impacts of six different downscaled Regional Climate Models (RCM) climate models on the quantity (river flow) and quality (sediment load, total nitrogen load and total phosphorus load) state of surface waters in the river Reka catchment, in the northern Mediterranean. Mediterranean areas are – due to high population density, favourable natural conditions for agriculture, limited water resources, diverse ecosystems biodiversity and expected climate change impacts – a global hotspot in climate research. Additionally, the study area lies on the border with the alpine climate zone, with a strong orographic effect on weather patterns. The location, and a wide range of studied parameters, provides an interesting insight into how various emerging climate change models may impact the status of surface waters and procedures for the governance of water resources. The study contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the climate change impact on the local catchment level, using the ensemble of the RCMs. It opens discussion about the impact of RCM selection on modelling climate changes with catchment models like Soil and Water Assessment Tool. This article also questions the usability of the results for the policy and decision makers in relation to the implementation of the results into short or long‐term water strategies or water/river management plans. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

GIS‐based modelling of soil erosion processes using the modified‐MMF (MMMF) model in a large watershed having vast agro‐climatological differences

The present study demonstrates a spatially distributed application of a field‐scale annual soil loss model, the modified‐MMF (MMMF), to a large watershed using hydrological routing techniques, remote sensing data and geospatial technologies. In this study, the MMMF model is implemented after incorporating the corrections suggested in recent literature along with appropriate modifications of the model to suit the agro‐climatological conditions prevailing in most parts of India. Sensitivity analysis carried out through an Average Linear Sensitivity approach indicates that the model outputs are highly sensitive to soil moisture (MS), bulk density (BD), effective hydraulic depth (EHD), ground cover (GC) and settling velocity for clay (VS_c). During calibration and validation, the performance evaluation statistics are mostly in the range of very good to satisfactory for both runoff and soil loss at the watershed outlet. Even spatial validation of the results of intermediate processes in the water phase and the sediment phase, although qualitative, seems to be reasonable and rational. Furthermore, the soil erosion severity analysis for different land‐uses existing in the watershed indicates that about 90% of the watershed area, especially that occupied by agricultural lands, is vulnerable to the long‐term effects of soil erosion. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparison of groundwater recharge estimation methods in a semi‐arid,coastal avocado and citrus orchard (Ventura County,California)

We assess the relative merits of application of the most commonly used field methods (soil‐water balance (SWB), chloride mass balance (CMB) and soil moisture monitoring (NP)) to determine recharge rates in micro‐irrigated and non‐irrigated areas of a semi‐arid coastal orchard located in a relatively complex geological environment. Application of the CMB method to estimate recharge rates was difficult owing to the unusually high, variable soil‐water chloride concentrations. In addition, contrary to that expected, the chloride concentration distribution at depths below the root zone in the non‐irrigated soil profiles was greater than that in the irrigated profiles. The CMB method severely underestimated recharge rates in the non‐irrigated areas when compared with the other methods, although the CMB method estimated recharge rates for the irrigated areas, that were similar to those from the other methods, ranging from 42 to 141 mm/year. The SWB method, constructed for a 15‐year period, provided insight into the recharge process being driven by winter rains rather than summer irrigation and indicated an average rate of 75 mm/year and 164 mm/year for the 1984 – 98 and 1996 – 98 periods, respectively. Assuming similar soil‐water holding capacity, these recharge rates applied to both irrigated and non‐irrigated areas. Use of the long period of record was important because it encompassed both drought and heavy rainfall years. Successful application of the SWB method, however, required considerable additional field measurements of orchard ET_c, soil‐water holding capacity and estimation of rainfall interception – runoff losses. Continuous soil moisture monitoring (NP) was necessary to identify both daily and seasonal seepage processes to corroborate the other recharge estimates. Measured recharge rates during the 1996 – 1998 period in both the orchards and non‐irrigated site averaged 180 mm/year. The pattern of soil profile drying during the summer irrigation season, followed by progressive wetting during the winter rainy season was observed in both irrigated and non‐irrigated soil profiles, confirming that groundwater recharge was rainfall driven and that micro‐irrigation did not ‘predispose’ the soil profile to excess rainfall recharge. The ability to make this recharge assessment, however, depended on making multiple field measurements associated with all three methods, suggesting that any one should not be used alone. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaporation Process in Soil Surface Containing Calcic Nodules on the Northern Loess Plateau of China by Simulated Experiments

Soil containing calcic nodules is widely present on the northern Loess Plateau of China owing to soil genesis under local climate conditions. In most studies, little attention is payed to the effect of calcic nodules on soil evaporation and ecoenvironment, resulting in inaccurate evaporation estimation in this kind of soil and further improper field water management measures and irrigation effects. In this paper, soil column experiments were conducted in order to investigate evaporation process in soil containing calcic nodules and the effect of calcic nodules on soil evaporation was determined. The results indicated that evaporation reduction was positively related to calcic nodule content (CNC = mass of calcic nodules/total mass), and could be estimated by the experiential equation: E_soil = E₀ (1 – 0.4 CNC) (E_soil = actual evaporation, E₀ = theory evaporation in soil without calcic nodules). When CNC was below 0.2, the impact could be neglected. While, as CNC exceeded 0.2, the impact needed to be considered during soil evaporation estimation. As CNC reached 0.5, soil evaporation could be reduced by 7.5 mm, accounting for around 10% of the total soil water. Water balance calculation in soil columns showed that water absorbed by calcic nodules was partially available to evaporation. Water available to evaporation was positively related to CNC, and this water could not exceed 63% of the water absorbed by calcic nodules. Generally, evaporation behavior was dominated by calcic nodule quantity and its water absorption. These results provide new ideas for irrigation measures in arid areas of the globe.     

Assessment of Climate Change Impact on the Gharesou River Basin Using SWAT Hydrological Model

The evaluation of climate change and its side effects on the hydrological processes of the basin can increasingly help in dealing with the challenges that water resource managers and planners face in future courses. These side effects are investigated using the simulation of hydrological processes with the help of physical rainfall‐runoff model. Hydrological models provide a framework for examining the relationship between climate and water resources. This research aims at the investigation of the effect of climate change on the runoff of Gharesou, which is one of the main branches of the “Karkheh” River in Iran during the periods 2040–2069. To achieve this, the distributed hydrological model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) – a model that is sensitive to the changes in land, water, and climate – has been used with the aim of evaluating the impact of climate change on the hydrology of the Gharesou Basin. For this reason, first, the continuous distributed model of rainfall‐runoff SWAT for the period 1971–2000 has been calibrated and validated. Next, with the aim of evaluating the impact of climate change and global warming on the basin hydrology for the period 2040–2069, HadCM3‐AR4 global climate model data under the A2 scenario – from the SRES scenario set‐haves been downscaled. Eventually, the downscaled climate data haves been introduced in the SWAT model, and the future runoff changes have been studied. The results showed that the temperature increases in most of the months, and the precipitation rate exhibits a change in the range of ±30%. Moreover, the produced runoff in this period changes from ?90 to 120% during different months.     

Nachweis von Industriechemikalien (HPS,BPS und SPS) im Oberflächenwasser

Occurrence of Industrial Chemicals (HPS, BPS, and SPS) in Surface Water The paper gives the results of water examinations for different phenylsulfonamides. Random samples taken every month between May 1999 and August 2000 from surface water out of the river Rhine (kilometer 838), the river Ruhr (Mülheim Styrum) and the river Emscher (Oberhausen center) were tested for the corrosion inhibiting agent 6‐[methyl(phenylsulfonyl)amino]‐hexanoic acid (HPS) as well as its metabolites 4‐[methyl‐(phenylsulfonyl)amino]‐butanoic acid (BPS) and sarkosin‐N‐(phenylsulfonyl) (SPS). Furthermore, the sewage plant effluents of two municipal wastewater treatment plants from the rural area were also included in the monitoring program. The analytical method includes solid‐phase extraction (SPE), a derivatization step as well as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). SPS is regularly found in all investigated surface waters, but only occasionally in the effluents of the two rural sewage plants. The median values for SPS amount to 0.09 μg/L in the river Rhine, 0.60 μg/L in the river Ruhr, and 0.70 μg/L in the river Emscher. BPS can only be found in the river Ruhr (median value: 0.08 μg/L) and in the river Emscher (median value: 0.41 μg/L). HPS was regularly found in a surface water for the first time. This substance can be detected in the Emscher through the whole measurement period. The median value for HPS amounts to 1.78 μg/L. Aditionally, the validation characteristics of an alternative analytical method including solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) is worked out. The fully automated process includes an on‐fiber methylation step and the GC‐MS. The repeatability standard deviation of the process amounts to RSD < 12%. Detection limits between 0.07 and 0.70 μg/L are achieved.     

A Simple In Vivo Fluorescence Method for the Selective Detection and Quantification of Freshwater Cyanobacteria and Eukaryotic Algae

A method for the rapid detection of cyanobacteria (blue‐green algae) and their differentiation from eukaryotic algae in natural phytoplankton assemblages is presented. Fluorescence emission of photosynthetic pigments at 670 nm was measured using a microplate fluorescence reader when excited at two different wavelengths – 485 nm and 590 nm. The ratio of fluorescence excited at these wavelengths (590 nm/485 nm) was proportional to the ratio of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, which was determined by the in situ spectrofluorometer for the phytoplankton quantification. The fluorescence intensity was equal to the total chlorophyll‐a content. These two fluorescence values can provide the first warning on a development of potentially toxic cyanobacteria in water.     

Isotope Approach to Assess Hydrologic Connections During Marcellus Shale Drilling

Water and gas samples were collected from (1) nine shallow groundwater aquifers overlying Marcellus Shale in north‐central West Virginia before active shale gas drilling, (2) wells producing gas from Upper Devonian sands and Middle Devonian Marcellus Shale in southwestern Pennsylvania, (3) coal‐mine water discharges in southwestern Pennsylvania, and (4) streams in southwestern Pennsylvania and north‐central West Virginia. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the oxygen and hydrogen isotope composition of water, carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon, and carbon and hydrogen isotope compositions of methane in Upper Devonian sands and Marcellus Shale are very different compared with shallow groundwater aquifers, coal‐mine waters, and stream waters of the region. Therefore, spatiotemporal stable isotope monitoring of the different sources of water before, during, and after hydraulic fracturing can be used to identify migrations of fluids and gas from deep formations that are coincident with shale gas drilling.     

Changes in Entrapped Gas Content and Hydraulic Conductivity with Pressure

Water table fluctuations continuously introduce entrapped air bubbles into the otherwise saturated capillary fringe and groundwater zone, which reduces the effective (quasi‐saturated) hydraulic conductivity, K_quasi, thus impacting groundwater flow, aquifer recharge and solute and contaminant transport. These entrapped gases will be susceptible to compression or expansion with changes in water pressure, as would be expected with water table (and barometric pressure) fluctuations. Here we undertake laboratory experiments using sand‐packed columns to quantify the effect of water table changes of up to 250 cm on the entrapped gas content and the quasi‐saturated hydraulic conductivity, and discuss our ability to account for these mechanisms in ground water models. Initial entrapped air contents ranged between 0.080 and 0.158, with a corresponding K_quasi ranging between 2 and 6 times lower compared to the K_s value. The application of 250 cm of water pressure caused an 18% to 26% reduction in the entrapped air content, resulting in an increase in K_quasi by 1.16 to 1.57 times compared to its initial (0 cm water pressure) value. The change in entrapped air content measured at pressure step intervals of 50 cm, was essentially linear, and could be modeled according to the ideal gas law. Meanwhile, the changes in K_quasi with compression–expansion of the bubbles because of pressure changes could be adequately captured with several current hydraulic conductivity models.     

Pollution Source Investigation and Water Quality Management in the Carp Lake Watershed,Taiwan

In this study, a full survey of pollutant sources and water quality was conducted, followed by the application of a water quality model (Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program, WASP) to establish strategies of water quality control in Carp Lake, Taiwan. Results of the field investigation show that both point and non‐point source (NPS) pollutants were responsible for the poor water quality. The contributions of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from point source and NPS pollution were 45.9 and 55.1%, respectively. About 80% of total phosphorus (TP) were contributed by NPS. Additionally, point source and NPS pollution discharged 55.5 and 44.5% of NH₃–N load, respectively. The Carlson's Trophic State Index ranged from 61.9 to 69.2 showing serious eutrophic problems in Carp Lake. The calculated BOD, NH₃–N, and TP carrying capacity were approximately 2.8, 0.42, and 0.15 kg per day, respectively. However, the current pollutant loadings are approximately 3.0–5.5 times the calculated carrying capacity. With the help of the calibrated WASP model, remedial strategies for the lake water from short‐term to long‐term were developed. The completion of the small local sewer system to remove 80% of the point source pollution can serve as a short‐term goal while 40–60% of NPS removal by natural treatment systems may serve as a mid‐term goal. Furthermore, 80% of both source point and NPS pollution removal can be considered as a long‐term strategy. Results of heavy metal analysis show that the enriched sediment would be safe for agricultural applications.     

Interactions between groundwater and seasonally ice‐covered lakes: Using water stable isotopes and radon‐222 multilayer mass balance models

Interactions between lakes and groundwater are of increasing concern for freshwater environmental management but are often poorly characterized. Groundwater inflow to lakes, even at low rates, has proven to be a key in both lake nutrient balances and in determining lake vulnerability to pollution. Although difficult to measure using standard hydrometric methods, significant insight into groundwater–lake interactions has been acquired by studies applying geochemical tracers. However, the use of simple steady‐state, well‐mixed models, and the lack of characterization of lake spatiotemporal variability remain important sources of uncertainty, preventing the characterization of the entire lake hydrological cycle, particularly during ice‐covered periods. In this study, a small groundwater‐connected lake was monitored to determine the annual dynamics of the natural tracers, water stable isotopes and radon‐222, through the implementation of a comprehensive sampling strategy. A multilayer mass balance model was found outperform a well‐mixed, one‐layer model in terms of quantifying groundwater fluxes and their temporal evolution, as well as characterizing vertical differences. Water stable isotopes and radon‐222 were found to provide complementary information on the lake water budget. Radon‐222 has a short response time, and highlights rapid and transient increases in groundwater inflow, but requires a thorough characterization of groundwater radon‐222 activity. Water stable isotopes follow the hydrological cycle of the lake closely and highlight periods when the lake budget is dominated by evaporation versus groundwater inflow, but continuous monitoring of local meteorological parameters is required. Careful compilation of tracer evolution throughout the water column and over the entire year is also very informative. The developed models, which are suitable for detailed, site‐specific studies, allow the quantification of groundwater inflow and internal dynamics during both ice‐free and ice‐covered periods, providing an improved tool for understanding the annual water cycle of lakes.