Load Modeling Approach for Evaluating Selenium Stream Standards Compliance
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 3
Abstract
Elevated selenium concentrations have been observed in several rivers in the western United States and are a concern for healthy aquatic systems. Water quality modeling is a valuable tool for quantifying the importance of sources and assessing management alternatives for stream standards compliance in basins with impaired water quality. This modeling study uses a relatively simple approach to describe a water distribution system and processes that drive loading of dissolved selenium and salts from the naturally occurring Cretaceous shale soils in the extensively irrigated Uncompahgre and Gunnison River Basins in Western Colorado. Calibrated model output characterizes processes that load an average total of of selenium and of salts per year from agricultural subbasins to the Uncompahgre River. Simulations of best management practices predict that extensive implementation of methods to minimize seepage and constituent loading would be required to reduce selenium concentrations to comply with the current water quality standards.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the USDA-CREES, Project No. COL0-2001-04951, “Selenium in the Upper Colorado River Basin: Public Education and Remediation.” Water quality monitoring field work and data were provided by the USGS in Grand Junction, Colorado. The helpful comments of three anonymous reviewers are also acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 3 • June 2007
Pages: 232 - 241
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 5, 2005
Accepted: Oct 1, 2006
Published online: Jun 1, 2007
Published in print: Jun 2007
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