“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Excessive in-stream sedimentation of fine particles has multiple environmental and economic impacts due to the physical, chemical and biological interactions once in the fluvial system. Quantification of suspended sediment concentrations, overall sediment flux and sediment characteristics are important to establish detailed relationships with varying discharge. The properties of these sediments can be used to identify 'critical source areas' (CSAs). In these zones, high potential soil erodibility and direct hydrological pathways to the watercourse exist.
The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires member states to achieve a 'good ecological status' by 2015. In Ireland, this is achieved through the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) where measures implemented to improve water quality can be observed in six representative catchments. Additionally, Irish agriculture is undergoing a period of growth under 'Food Harvest 2020' which encourages increased agricultural productivity in an environmentally sustainable context. Pinpointing CSA's will therefore aid pollution risk reduction and prevent environmental degradation in an intensifying agricultural landscape.
Sediment flux will be quantified in three ACP catchments over a land-use gradient using calibrated turbidity measurements. Novel technologies utilising radionuclide and magnetic properties will characterise in-stream sediments and relate them to potential catchment source areas through a sediment fingerprinting technique. This will indicate target zones for cost-effective mitigation to conserve soil and prevent sediment loss.
This Walsh Fellowship funded placement is based in Wexford, Ireland with Teagasc.
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