How effective are River Basin Management Plans in reaching the nutrient load reduction targets?

Abstract

Riverine nutrient loads are among the major causes of eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. This study applied the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in three catchments flowing to the Baltic Sea, namely Vantaanjoki (Finland), Fyrisån (Sweden), and Słupia (Poland), to simulate the effectiveness of nutrient control measures included in the EU’s Water Framework Directive River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). Moreover, we identified similar, coastal, middle-sized catchments to which conclusions from this study could be applicable. The first modelling scenario based on extrapolation of the existing trends affected the modelled nutrient loads by less than 5%. In the second scenario, measures included in RBMPs showed variable effectiveness, ranging from negligible for Słupia to 28% total P load reduction in Vantaanjoki. Adding spatially targeted measures to RBMPs (third scenario) would considerably improve their effectiveness in all three catchments for both total N and P, suggesting a need to adopt targeting more widely in the Baltic Sea countries.

Characterisation of a low methane emission rice cultivar suitable for cultivation in high latitude light and temperature conditions

“…Water from the Fyris river at the Uppsala site (inflow) was analysed for suitability for irrigation purposes, while drainage water re-entering the river (outflow) was analysed to assess how rice cultivation affected the nutrient load to the river. The annual nutrient loads entering the river Fyris are reported to be 120,323 tonnes N and 3463 tonnes P (Piniewski et al 2021 ). These loads, which originate from the city of Uppsala and upstream farmland, lead to enrichment of river water with nutrients and eutrophication.…”

Estimation of nutrient loads with the use of mass-balance and modelling approaches on the Wełna River catchment example (central Poland)

“…In the land phase, the model simulates both the infiltration of nutrients into the soil (fertilization, plant biomass, precipitation) and their removal from it (volatilization, denitrification, erosion, surface runoff). Additionally, changes in the distribution of nutrients in the soil (uptake by plants) and the low mobility of phosphorus itself are also taken into account 39 – 41 .…”

Mapping of Multiple Hazards in the Cilongkrang Sub-Watershed, Majalengka, Indonesia

“…The Cilongkrang Sub-Watershed is an upstream area that functions as a catchment area, and any damage to the area will increase the risk of natural hazards [2]. Vegetation, land, and water are needed to attain sustainable watershed management [3]. Water is the most crucial component, given its pivotal role in the system.…”