Abstract
Effective implementation of the Water Framework Directive requires a reappraisal of conventional approaches to water quality monitoring. Quantifying the impact of domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) in Irish catchments is further complicated by high levels of natural heterogeneity. This paper presents a numerical model that couples attenuation to flow along different hydrological pathways contributing to river discharge; this permits estimation of the impact of DWWTS to overall nutrient fluxes under a range of geological conditions. Preliminary results suggest high levels of attenuation experienced
before DWWTS effluent reaches bedrock play a significant role in reducing its ecological impact on aquatic receptors. Conversely, low levels of attenuation in systems discharging directly to surface water may affect water quality more significantly, particularly during prolonged dry periods in areas underlain by low productivity aquifers (>60% of Ireland), where dilution capacity is limited.
before DWWTS effluent reaches bedrock play a significant role in reducing its ecological impact on aquatic receptors. Conversely, low levels of attenuation in systems discharging directly to surface water may affect water quality more significantly, particularly during prolonged dry periods in areas underlain by low productivity aquifers (>60% of Ireland), where dilution capacity is limited.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Procedings of International Symposium on Domestic Wastewater Treatment and Disposal |
Publication status | Published - 11 Sep 2012 |
Event | International symposium on domestic wastewater treatment and disposal systems - Dublin, Ireland Duration: 10 Sep 2012 → 11 Sep 2012 |
Conference
Conference | International symposium on domestic wastewater treatment and disposal systems |
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Country | Ireland |
City | Dublin |
Period | 10/09/2012 → 11/09/2012 |