Nitrogen emissions into freshwater ecosystems: is there a need for nitrate elimination in all wastewater treatment plants?

Excessive inputs of phosphorus and nitrogen are the main reasons of eutrophication of inland waters and coastal areas. Large efforts have been made to control phosphorus, but the measures to reduce nitrogen emissions failed at least partly. While it was possible to reduce nitrogen emissions from industry and municipal wastewater treatment plants, diffuse sources are showing only very minor decline. Examples of limnetic, marine and coastal systems are given to review the current knowledge about nitrogen transformation and the effects of nitrate in the environment. When N is the limiting nutrient in a particular water body, this does not necessarily mean that phytoplankton is controllable by NO₃^– removal. In systems with problems due to a high redox‐sensitive internal phosphorus load and under certain constraints, nitrate may be used as an ecotechnological measure to prevent anaerobic phosphorus release from sediments. Model simulations are used to demonstrate this. A schematic model of redox‐mediated temporal phosphorus storage in riverine lake sediments with short retention time is proposed. We conclude that while anthropogenic nitrogen emissions are a global problem, no fast and simple single solution exists. Additional nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment will have no effect, as long as diffuse sources and nitrate concentrations in groundwater remain at a high level. Emission reductions should be achieved in an integrated way, taking direct and indirect effects into account. In this sense, case by case decisions and a new definition of “sensitive areas” are required.     

Erosion rates in the southern oregon coast range: Evidence for an equilibrium between hillslope erosion and sediment yield

The relationship of hillslope erosion rates and sediment yield is often poorly defined because of short periods of measurement and inherent spatial and temporal variability in erosion processes. In landscapes containing hillslopes crenulated by alternating topographic noses and hollows, estimates of local hillslope erosion rates averaged over long time periods can be obtained by analysing colluvial deposits in the hollows. Hollows act as local traps for a portion of the colluvium transported down hillslopes, and erosion rates can be calculated using the age and size of the deposits and the size of the contributing source area. Analysis of colluvial deposits in nine Oregon Coast Range hollows has yielded average colluvial transport rates into the hollows of about 35cm³cm^?1yr^?1 and average bedrock lowering rates of about 0.07 mm yr^?1 for the last 4000 to 15000 yr. These rates are consistent with maximum bedrock exfoliation rates of about 0.09 mm yr^?1 calculated from six of the hollows, supporting the interpretation that exfoliation rates limit erosion rates on these slopes. Sediment yield measurements from nine Coast Range streams provide similar basin-wide denudation rates of between 0.05 and 0.08mm yr^?1, suggesting an approximate steady-state between sediment production on hillslopes and sediment yield. In addition, modern sediment yields are similar in basins varying in size from 1 to 1500 km², suggesting that erosion rates are spatially uniform and providing additional evidence for an approximate equilibrium in the landscape.     

Evaluation of Combined Direct-Push Methods Used for Aquifer Model Generation

Most established methods to characterize aquifer structure and hydraulic conductivities of hydrostratigraphical units are not capable of delivering sufficient information in the spatial resolution that is desired for sophisticated numerical contaminant transport modeling and adapted remediation design. With hydraulic investigation methods based on the direct-push (DP) technology such as DP slug tests, DP injection logging, and the hydraulic profiling tool, it is possible to rapidly delineate hydrogeological structures and estimate their hydraulic conductivity in shallow unconsolidated aquifers without the need for wells. A combined application of these tools was used for the investigation of a contaminated German refinery site and for the setup of hydraulic aquifer models. The quality of DP investigation and the models was evaluated by comparisons of tracer transport simulations using these models and measured breakthroughs of two natural gradient tracer tests. Model scenarios considering the information of all tools together showed good reproduction of the measured breakthroughs, indicating the suitability of the approach and a minor impact of potential technical limitations. Using the DP slug tests alone yielded significantly higher deviations for the determined hydraulic conductivities compared to considering two or three of the tools. Realistic aquifer models developed on basis of such combined DP investigation approaches can help optimize remediation concepts or identify flow regimes for aquifers with a complex structure.     

The probabilistic seismic hazard assessment of Germany—version 2016, considering the range of epistemic uncertainties and aleatory variability

The basic seismic load parameters for the upcoming national design regulation for DIN EN 1998-1/NA result from the reassessment of the seismic hazard supported by the German Institution for Civil Engineering (DIBt). This 2016 version of the national seismic hazard assessment for Germany is based on a comprehensive involvement of all accessible uncertainties in models and parameters and includes the provision of a rational framework for integrating ranges of epistemic uncertainties and aleatory variabilities in a comprehensive and transparent way. The developed seismic hazard model incorporates significant improvements over previous versions. It is based on updated and extended databases, it includes robust methods to evolve sets of models representing epistemic uncertainties, and a selection of the latest generation of ground motion prediction equations. The new earthquake model is presented here, which consists of a logic tree with 4040 end branches and essential innovations employed for a realistic approach. The output specifications were designed according to the user oriented needs as suggested by two review teams supervising the entire project. Seismic load parameters, for rock conditions of \(v_{S30}\) = 800 m/s, are calculated for three hazard levels (10, 5 and 2% probability of occurrence or exceedance within 50 years) and delivered in the form of uniform hazard spectra, within the spectral period range 0.02–3 s, and seismic hazard maps for peak ground acceleration, spectral response accelerations and for macroseismic intensities. Results are supplied as the mean, the median and the 84th percentile. A broad analysis of resulting uncertainties of calculated seismic load parameters is included. The stability of the hazard maps with respect to previous versions and the cross-border comparison is emphasized.     

Überströmung des Island-Färöer-Rückens in Bodennähe nach Beobachtungen mit dem Forschungsschiff „Anton Dohrn“ 1955/56

Zusammenfassung 1. Problemstellung. Wasseraustausch über dem unterseeischen Riegel zwischen zwei benachbarten Meeren am Beispiel des Island-Färöer-Rückens. — 2. Zur Topographie des Island-Färöer-Rückens. Eine neue Tiefenkarte des Rückens (Abb. 1) wird diskutiert und nachgewiesen, daß das Bodenrelief des Westabhanges eine stärkere Unruhe zeigt als das des Ostabhanges (Abb. 2). — 3. Die hydrographischen Verhältnisse im Gebiet des Island-Färöer-Rückens. Fünf hydrographische Querprofile über den Rücken, die im Juli 1955 und im Januar und Mai 1956 mit Anton Dohrn zum Studium der Überströmung ausgeführt wurden, werden wiedergegeben (Abb. 5, Tafel 4). In allen Fällen lagert warmes nordostatlantisches Wasser über kaltem subarktischem Wasser, das den Boden des Rückens bedeckt. — 4. Zur Bodenströmung am Island-Färöer-Rücken. Die Stromgeschwindigkeit der Überströmung am Westhang wird berechnet (Tabelle 1). Selbst unter der Annahme einer relativ großen Reibungskonstanten werden in Bodennähe in 700 m Tiefe etwa 50 cm/sec erreicht. Der Volumtransport der Überströmung beträgt etwa 6·10⁶ m³/see. — 5. Zur Veränderlichkeit der Überströmung. Die zweimalige Wiederholung eines Profils läßt starke Schwankungen der Schichtung erkennen. Die große Streubreite der bodennahen Temperaturen am Westhang, die aus den Beobachtungen der letzten sechzig Jahre erwiesen ist (Abb. 3), deutet auf große Veränderlichkeit der Überströmung. Örtlich bevorzugte Überströmung ist bisher nicht nachweisbar. — 6. Auswirkung der Überströmung und ihrer Schwankungen. Schubweise Erneuerung des Bodenwassers im Nordatlantischen Ozean, Beeinflussung der Standorte der Nutzfische auf dem Rücken sowie morphologische Einflüsse auf den Meeresboden sind zu erwarten. Nur die letzte Auswirkung ist bis jetzt nachweisbar.

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Overflow over the Iceland-Färöer ridge near the sea bottom as observed during the cruises of the research ship Anton Dohrn 1955/56

Summary 1. Problem to be dealt with: Water exchange across the submarine sill between two adjacent seas is illustrated by the example of the Iceland-Färöer Ridge. — 2. Contribution to the topography of the Iceland-Färöer Ridge: A new bathymetric chart of the Iceland-Färöer Ridge (fig. 1) is discussed and proof is delivered that the bottom relief of the West slope is more irregular than that of the East slope (fig. 2). — 3. Hydrographic conditions in the region of the Iceland-Färöer Ridge: With a view to study overflow conditions at the Iceland-Färöer Ridge five hydrographic cross sections were laid across the Ridge by the Anton Dohrn in July 1955 as well as in January and May 1956. A diagram showing these sections is given in figs. 5. In every case, the warm water from the north-eastern part of the North Atlantic lays on top of the cold subarctic water, that covers the bottom of the Ridge. — 4. On the bottom current at the Iceland-Färöer Ridge: The current velocity of overflow at the West slope is calculated (table 1). Even on the assumption that the frictional constant is relatively high, the velocity obtained near the bottom at a depth of 700 m amounts to about 50 cm/sec. The volume transport of overflow is about 6·10⁶ m³/sec. — 5. On the variability of overflow: The repetitions of one of the sections show that the stratification underlies considerable variations. The large temperature variations near the bottom on the West slope of which observations from the last sixty years (fig. 3) give evidence, are indicative of a great variability of overflow. No proof has so far been delivered that overflow prefers definite passages. — 6. Effects of overflow and of its variations: Renewal in boluses of the bottom water in the North Atlantic, effects on the habitats of commercial fishes on the Ridge as well as morphological influences on the bottom must be expected. So far, proof has been supplied for effects on bottom topography only.

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Débordement de l'eau par-dessus la dorsale d'islande — iles de féroé suivant les observations faites à bord du navire explorateur «Anton Dohrn» en 1955 et 1956

Résumé 1. Problème à traiter: Le mécanisme de l'échange de l'eau entre deux océans adjacents par-dessus un seuil sousmarin est expliqué par l'exemple de la Dorsale d'Islande — Iles de Féroé. — 2. Contribution à la topographie de la Dorsale d'Islande — Iles de Féroé: Une nouvelle carte bathymétrique de cette Dorsale (fig. 1) est discutée et il est démontré que le relief du fond de la pente occidentale est plus accidenté que celui de la pente orientale (fig. 2). — 3. Conditions hydrographiques dans la région de la Dorsale d'Islande — Iles de Féroé: Dans le but d'étudier les conditions du débordement par-dessus la Dorsale d'Islande — Iles de Féroé on a exécuté cinq sections transversales hydrographiques de la Dorsale à bord de l'«Anton Dohrn» en juillet 1955, en janvier et en mai 1956. Les figures 5 sur la planche 4 de cette contribution montrent ces cinq sections qui révèlent la superposition des eaux chaudes de la partie Nord-Est de l'Atlantique Nord au-dessus des eaux froides subarctiques qui couvrent le fond de la Dorsale. — 4. Sur le courant du fond traversant la Dorsale d'Islande — Iles de Féroé: La vitesse du débordement par-dessus la pente occidentale est calculée (tableau 1). Même si l'on suppose que la constante de friction soit relativement grande, on obtient une vitesse de 50 cm/sec environ au voisinage du fond en 700 m de profondeur. Le transport de volume du débordement s'élève à 6·10⁶ m³/sec environ. — 5. Sur la variabilité du débordement: L'exécution d'une section à deux reprises révèle de fortes variations en stratification. Les grandes variations de température près du fond sur la pente occidentale dont font preuve les observations des dernières soixante années (fig. 3) indiquent la variabilité sensible du débordement. Il n'y a pas de preuves jusqu'ici que le débordement tend à préférer des passages définitifs. — 6. Effets du débordement et de ses variations: Il faut s'attendre à trois effets: Renouvellement par fournées des eaux du fond dans l'Atlantique Nord, influences sur les habitats des poissons commerciaux sur la Dorsale et influences sur la morphologie du fond; le troisième effet est le seul que l'on a pu démontrer jusqu'ici.

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Herrn Professor Dr. Gerhard Schott zum 90. Geburtstag gewidmet.

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Nachtrag: Während der Drucklegung erschien die Untersuchung von L. H. N. Cooper: Deep water movements in the North Atlantic as a link between climatic changes around Iceland and biological productivity of the English Channel and Celtic Sea. J. Mar. Res.14, 1955, 347–352. Bemerkenswert darin ist der Hinweis, daß der schmale Durchlaß zwischen den Färöer und der Färö-Bank, dort wo das Fragezeichen in Abb. 1 steht, eine Satteltiefe von etwa 850 m haben soll. Damit wäre, wie bereits vermutet, dieser Durchlaß, der nach einem Vorschlag des British National Committee on Nomenclature of Ocean Bottom Features aus dem Jahre 1954 South-western Faeroe-Channel genannt wird, der tiefste Durchlaß zwischen Nordmeer und Nordatlantischem Ozean. — Die Auffassung, daß eine schubweise Erneuerung des nordostatlantischen Bodenwassers über den Island-Färöer-Rücken vor sich geht, wird auch von Cooper vertreten. Die langjährige Abnahme dieser Erneuerung, die zur Erklärung der Abnahme der biologischen Produktivität des Nordostatlantischen Ozeans herangezogen wird, ist eine interessante Hypothese, zu deren Klärung aber mit unseren Beobachtungen nicht beigetragen werden kann.     

Sedimentologische Untersuchungen an Grimmelfinger Graupensanden

Zusammenfassung Die Untersuchung von Korngrößenverteilung und Rundungsgrad der Grimmelfinger Graupensande an zwei durch 150 km Transportweg unterschiedenen Aufschlüssen gibt Hinweise auf die Einwirkungen auf das verfrachtete Sedimentmaterial unter gleichförmigen, fluviatilen Bedingungen.Am Anfang des untersuchten Rinnenabschnittes besteht das Sediment überwiegend aus je einer Modalfraktion im Mittelsandbereich, Grobsandbereich und Feinkiesbereich¹.Auf dem Transport wird die Mittelsandfraktion — vermutlich infolge der Schlagwirkung des Feinkieses — aufgerieben und fortgeführt. In den beiden gröberen Fraktionen wird am Ende des untersuchten Abschnittes keine Korngrößenabnahme und damit verbunden auch keine Rundungsgraderhöhung beobachtet. Dieses Ergebnis wird verglichen mit den in der Literatur mitgeteilten Untersuchungen in Abriebmühlen und Feldbeobachtungen. Danach dürfte der Rundungsgrad in der Feinkiesfraktion seinem unter den gegebenen Umständen erreichbaren Grenzwert sehr nahe sein und sich auch bei weiter fortgesetztem Transport kaum noch ändern. In der Grobsandfraktion wird der Anteil, dessen Rundung verbessert wird, infolge der damit verbundenen höheren Kugeligkeit bevorzugt fortgeführt.Die Untersuchungen bestätigen, daß die Abrundungseffekte an Sedimentmaterial in strömendem Wasser in Abhängigkeit von der Korngröße betrachtet werden müssen.

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The mechanical effects of fluvial transport over a distance of 150 km were studied by means of size frequency distributions and analysis of roundness in a Tertiary flow channel in Southern Germany filled by sand mixed with fine gravel.When entering the-channel the deposited material shows characteristic trimodal size frequency distributions. During transport the finer modal fraction (0.2...0.63 mm) is destroyed — probably through breakage by the gravel — and removed, while the sizes of the two coarser fractions remain unaffected. The roundness of the coarser fractions also remains unchanged by transport. This suggests that the roundness of the gravel material has approached its limiting roundness which is the optimum that can be achieved under the prevailing conditions. That part of the coarse sand fraction which becomes better rounded by transport may be removed preferably, because the grains getting higher sphericity by being rounded are transported more easily.Grain sizes have to be considered when abrasion effects are studied.

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Herrn Professor Dr. H. Aldinger danke ich für die Möglichkeit, die vorliegende Arbeit im Geologisch-Paläontologischen Institut der Technischen Hochschule Stuttgart anzufertigen, Herrn Dr. D. Elwert, Kiel, für die Überlassung von Probenmaterial.     

The SOMS model and its application to Lake Neuchâtel

A three-dimensional numerical circulation model (SOMS) based on primitive equations is described. The algorithm, by which Coriolis and vertical diffusion terms are treated implicitly while mass is still conserved exactly (algebraically), is discussed in detail. The model is applied to Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland), to determine the general circulation under influence of the most prevailing wind.     

Wetlands with controlled drainage and sub‐irrigation systems—modelling of the water balance

Over the past centuries, the agricultural use of wetlands in Central Europe has required interference with the natural wetland water balance. Often this has consisted of drainage measures alone. In low‐precipitation areas, it has also involved the operation of combined drainage and sub‐irrigation systems. Model studies conducted as part of planning processes, or with a view to finding out the impact of changing climate conditions on the water balance of wetlands, must take these facts into account. For this reason, a water balance model has been devised for wetlands whose water balance is governed by water resources management systems. It is based on the WBalMo model system. Special modules were integrated into WBalMo to calculate the water balance of wetland areas (WABI module) and to regulate inflow partitioning within the wetland (REGINF module). When calculating the water balance, the WABI module takes into account precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, groundwater levels below surface, soil types, land‐use classes, inflows via the running water system, and data for target water levels. It provides actual evapotranspiration, discharge into the running water system, and groundwater levels in the area. The example of the Spreewald, a major wetland area in north‐eastern Germany, was used to design and test the WBalMo Spreewald model. The comparison of measured and calculated water balance parameters of the wetland area confirms the suitability of the model for water balance studies in wetlands with complex water resources management systems. The results reveal the strong influence of water management on the water balance of such areas. The model system has proved to be excellently suited for planning and carrying out water management measures aimed at the sustainable development of wetlands. Furthermore, scenario analyses can be used to assess the impact of global change on the water balance of wetlands. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.