Real-time monitoring of nutrients and dissolved organic matter in rivers: Capturing event dynamics, technological opportunities and future directions

Phillip J. Blaen*, Kieran Khamis, Charlotte E M Lloyd, Christopher Bradley, David Hannah, Stefan Krause

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

79 Citations (Scopus)
413 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Excessive riverine nutrient concentrations threaten aquatic ecosystem structure and functioning and can pose substantial risks to human health. Robust monitoring strategies are therefore required to generate reliable estimates of river nutrient loads and to improve understanding of the catchment processes that drive nutrient fluxes. Furthermore, these data are vital for prediction of future trends under changing environmental conditions and thus the development of appropriate mitigation measures. In recent years, technological developments have led to an increase in the use of in-situ nutrient analysers, which enable measurements at far higher temporal resolutions than can be achieved with discrete sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis. In this paper, we review the principles underlying the key techniques used for in-situ nutrient monitoring and highlight both the advantages, opportunities and challenges associated with high-resolution sampling programs. We then suggest how adaptive monitoring strategies, comprising several different temporal sample frequencies, controlled by one or more ‘trigger variables’ (e.g. river stage, turbidity, or nutrient concentration), can advance our understanding of catchment nutrient dynamics while simultaneously overcoming many of the practical and economic challenges encountered in typical in-situ river nutrient monitoring applications. We present examples of short-term variability in river nutrient dynamics, driven by complex catchment behaviour, which support our case for the development of monitoring systems that can adapt in real-time to rapid changes in environmental conditions. Finally, we suggest future research directions based on emerging technologies in this field.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)647-660
Number of pages14
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume569-570
Early online date2 Jul 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2016

Keywords

  • DOC
  • DOM
  • High-frequency
  • In-situ
  • Nitrate
  • Phosphate
  • Sensor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Medicine(all)
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution

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