Nutrient inputs to the Laurentian Great Lakes by source and watershed estimated using SPARROW watershed models
Journal of the American Water Resources Association
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Abstract
Nutrient input to the Laurentian Great Lakes continues to cause problems with eutrophication. To reduce the extent and severity of these problems, target nutrient loads were established and Total Maximum Daily Loads are being developed for many tributaries. Without detailed loading information it is difficult to determine if the targets are being met and how to prioritize rehabilitation efforts. To help address these issues, SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) models were developed for estimating loads and sources of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from the United States (U.S.) portion of the Great Lakes, Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Red River Basins. Results indicated that recent U.S. loadings to Lakes Michigan and Ontario are similar to those in the 1980s, whereas loadings to Lakes Superior, Huron, and Erie decreased. Highest loads were from tributaries with the largest watersheds, whereas highest yields were from areas with intense agriculture and large point sources of nutrients. Tributaries were ranked based on their relative loads and yields to each lake. Input from agricultural areas was a significant source of nutrients, contributing ∼33-44% of the P and ∼33-58% of the N, except for areas around Superior with little agriculture. Point sources were also significant, contributing ∼14-44% of the P and 13-34% of the N. Watersheds around Lake Erie contributed nutrients at the highest rate (similar to intensively farmed areas in the Midwest) because they have the largest nutrient inputs and highest delivery ratio.
Suggested Citation
Robertson, D.M., and Saad, D.A., 2011, Nutrient inputs to the Laurentian Great Lakes by source and watershed estimated using SPARROW watershed models: Journal of the American Water Resources Association, v. 47, no. 5, p. 1011-1033, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00574.x.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Nutrient inputs to the Laurentian Great Lakes by source and watershed estimated using SPARROW watershed models |
| Series title | Journal of the American Water Resources Association |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00574.x |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Publication Date | August 08, 2011 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Water Resources Association |
| Publisher location | Herndon, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Wisconsin Water Science Center |
| Description | 23 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of the American Water Resources Association |
| First page | 1011 |
| Last page | 1033 |
| Country | Canada;United States |
| Other Geospatial | Laurentian Great Lakes |