『Abstract
A classification scheme for pollutant natural attenuation potential
at the groundwater-surface water interface is presented, and its
predictive power for explaining baseflow river nitrate concentration
investigated. Both the classification scheme and statistical analysis
are undertaken at Water Framework Directive surface water body
scale for England and Wales, in baseflow conditions when relative
groundwater contribution to rivers is greatest. The results of
multiple regression analyses demonstrate statistically significant
relationships between the classification of natural attenuation
potential, its component properties, and baseflow river nitrate
concentration. Natural attenuation at the groundwater-surface
water interface is shown to be a significant control on observed
river nitrate concentrations, albeit less influential than land-use
descriptors. The results indicate that natural attenuation processes
have a measurable impact on baseflow river chemistry at surface
water body scale, and that consideration of natural attenuation
processes at the groundwater-surface water interface would improve
regional and catchment-scale risk prediction, and could help in
the design of more sustainable catchment management strategies.
Keywords: Groundwater-surface water interactions; Natural attenuation;
Classification; Sediment; Nitrate』
Introduction
A classification scheme for NA potential at the GW-SW interface
Statistical analysis using the NA classification scheme
Results from multivariate regression modelling
Revised weightings for the classification scheme to predict NP10
Discussion and conclusions
Acknowledgements
References