Water quality: prevention, identification, and management of diffuse pollution

Abstract

Subsurface migration, fertilizer runoff from farms, storm water from streets, and other forms of diffuse pollution are now recognized as having serious environmental consequences. In more than 50 percent of estimated cases in which water quality goals are not achieved, diffuse pollution is cited as the main cause. This guide surveys the myriad problems and challenges presented by this form of pollution, and offers a wide range of feasible, cost-effective solutions for dealing with them. Water Quality: Prevention, Identification, and Management of Diffuse Pollution covers aspects of diffuse pollution ranging from sources and sites to health and legal consequences. It provides readers with valuable discussions of Sources of diffuse pollution Legal definitions The hydrologic nature of diffuse loads, and the processes and land uses contributing to these loads Best management practices that emphasize removal of priority pollutants Use of wetlands The fate of pollutants in receiving waters The restoration of reservoirs, streams, lakes, and watersheds that have been damaged Extensive data are provided on nontoxic as well as toxic pollutants, including new toxic compounds. The authors provide an integrated approach to water quality control and explain advanced pollution abatement technologies, such as the use of wetlands. Sections on repercussions to the economy include discussions of cost/benefit analyses of abatement programs and the payments that support the programs. Throughout, real-world examples illustrate practical applications of various control, abatement, and remediation strategies. Readers discover how to use modeling techniques to pinpoint the effects of diffuse pollution, as well as how to plan environmental protection and recovery. Other areas investigated are erosion, soil pollution, industrial diffuse pollution management, and the use of aquacultures in wetland management. The book offers solutions to a serious pollution problem—making it required reading for environmental and agricultural engineers, planners, regulatory professionals, and remediation specialists. It will also be a useful source for graduate students in environmental engineering and science.