title: Use of spatially distributed time-integrated sediment sampling networks and distributed fine sediment modelling to inform catchment management.
abstract: Under the EU Water Framework Directive, suspended sediment is omitted from environmental quality standards and compliance targets. This omission is partly explained by difficulties in assessing the complex dose-response of ecological communities. But equally, it is hindered by a lack of spatially distributed estimates of suspended sediment variability across catchments. In this paper, we demonstrate the inability of traditional, discrete sampling campaigns for assessing exposure to fine sediment. Sampling frequencies based on Environmental Quality Standard protocols, whilst reflecting typical manual sampling constraints, are unable to determine the magnitude of sediment exposure with an acceptable level of precision. Deviations from actual concentrations range between -35 and +20% based on the interquartile range of simulations. As an alternative, we assess the value of low-cost, suspended sediment sampling networks for quantifying suspended sediment transfer (SST). In this study of the 362 km2upland Esk catchment we observe that spatial patterns of sediment flux are consistent over the two year monitoring period across a network of 17 monitoring sites. This enables the key contributing sub-catchments of Butter Beck (SST: 1141 t km2yr-1) and Glaisdale Beck (SST: 841 t km2yr-1) to be identified. The time-integrated samplers offer a feasible alternative to traditional infrequent and discrete sampling approaches for assessing spatio-temporal changes in contamination. In conjunction with a spatially distributed diffuse pollution model (SCIMAP), time-integrated sediment sampling is an effective means of identifying critical sediment source areas in the catchment, which can better inform sediment management strategies for pollution prevention and control.
authors.affiliation: School of Geography Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: matthew.perks@ncl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Perks
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Warburton
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Bracken
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Reaney
authors.affiliation: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Emery
authors.affiliation: North York Moors National Park Authority, The Old Vicarage, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5BP, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hirst
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005060:Europe; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D060753:Water Quality; D014881:Water Supply
keywords: Catchment management; Environmental quality; Fine sediment; Passive sampling