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Bodrud-Doza M, Yang W, de Queiroga Miranda R, Martin A, DeVries B, Fraser EDG. Towards implementing precision conservation practices in agricultural watersheds: A review of the use and prospects of spatial decision support systems and tools. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167118. [PMID: 37717782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution leads to water quality degradation. While agriculture is faced with the challenge of feeding a growing population in a changing climate, farmers must also strive to minimize adverse impacts of agriculture on the environment. As a result, policies, and agri-environmental programs to promote agricultural conservation practices for controlling NPS pollution have been emerging. Despite progress, reducing NPS is a complex challenge that requires ongoing innovation and investment. A major challenge is to achieve an optimal spatial trade-off between the economic costs and positive environmental outcomes of conservation practices on complex agricultural landscapes. Geospatial systems and tools can help to address this challenge and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of conservation efforts. However, using these tools for precision conservation is underexamined. This review paper aims to address this gap through a critical exploration of spatial decision support systems and tools to provide synthesized knowledge for implementing precision conservation practices. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to guide the implementation of precision conservation and identifies areas for further development of geospatial systems and tools on planning and assessment of precision conservation efforts. All of which will be helpful for decision-makers and watershed managers in determining the most effective approaches for precision conservation. Furthermore, this review highlights the need for further research and development towards establishing an integrated spatial decision support system framework, which can improve socio-economic, environmental, and ecological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Bodrud-Doza
- Department of Geography Environment and Geomatics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada; Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Wanhong Yang
- Department of Geography Environment and Geomatics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | - Alicia Martin
- Department of Geography Environment and Geomatics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ben DeVries
- Department of Geography Environment and Geomatics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Evan D G Fraser
- Department of Geography Environment and Geomatics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada; Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Joseph N, Libunao T, Herrmann E, Bartelt‐Hunt S, Propper CR, Bell J, Kolok AS. Chemical Toxicants in Water: A GeoHealth Perspective in the Context of Climate Change. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000675. [PMID: 35949255 PMCID: PMC9357885 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The editorial focuses on four major themes contextualized in a virtual GeoHealth workshop that occurred from June 14 to 16, 2021. Topics in that workshop included drinking water and chronic chemical exposure, environmental injustice, public health and drinking water policy, and the fate, transport, and human impact of aqueous contaminants in the context of climate change. The intent of the workshop was to further define the field of GeoHealth. This workshop emphasized on chemical toxicants that drive human health. The major calls for action emerged from the workshop include enhancing community engagement, advocating for equity and justice, and training the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Joseph
- Idaho Water Resources Research InstituteUniversity of IdahoMoscowIDUSA
| | - Tate Libunao
- Idaho Water Resources Research InstituteUniversity of IdahoMoscowIDUSA
| | | | | | | | - Jesse Bell
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational HealthCollege of Public HealthUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Alan S. Kolok
- Idaho Water Resources Research InstituteUniversity of IdahoMoscowIDUSA
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Onabola CO, Andrews N, Gislason MK, Harder HG, Parkes MW. Exploring Cross-Sectoral Implications of the Sustainable Development Goals: Towards a Framework for Integrating Health Equity Perspectives With the Land-Water-Energy Nexus. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604362. [PMID: 35646419 PMCID: PMC9131490 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To assess existing evidence and identify gaps in the integrative framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for their potential to advance cross-sectoral perspectives and actions that connect health equity with the land-water-energy nexus in a watershed context.Methods: Five bibliographic databases were searched from 2016 to 2021. This yielded an initial 226 publications, which were screened for titles, abstracts, and full texts on DistillerSR; resulting in a final 30 publications that were studied. These keywords defined the search terms: “health equity,” “SDGs,” “watershed,” “resource nexus,” and “cross-sectoral.”Results: Thematic syntheses of debates and gaps point to the relevance of the SDGs as a cross-sectoral, integrative platform for place-based programming of the land-water-energy nexus, and to account for negative externalities and cascaded impacts on human and environmental health.Conclusion: For the purpose of monitoring health equity in the contexts of interactions of land, water, and energy in rural, remote, and Indigenous contexts, and on the basis of the SDGs, this paper generates evidence to inform health equity-oriented policies, programs and practices, and to enhance health for equity-seeking populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana O. Onabola
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Christiana O. Onabola,
| | - Nathan Andrews
- Department of Global and International Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Maya K. Gislason
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Henry G. Harder
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Margot W. Parkes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
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Rashidi H, Baulch H, Gill A, Bharadwaj L, Bradford L. Monitoring, Managing, and Communicating Risk of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Recreational Resources across Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2021; 15:11786302211014401. [PMID: 34017178 PMCID: PMC8114296 DOI: 10.1177/11786302211014401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Globally, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are on the rise, as is evidence of their toxicity. The impacts associated with blooms, however, vary across Nation states, as do the strategies and protocols to assess, monitor, and manage their occurrence. In Canada, water quality guidelines are standardized nationally, but the management strategies for HABs are not. Here, we explore current strategies to understand how to better communicate risks associated with HABs to the public. Our team conducted an environmental scan on provincial and territorial government agency protocols around HABs. Results suggest that there are variations in the monitoring, managing, and communicating of risk to the public: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Quebec have well-established inter-agency protocols, and most provinces report following federal guidelines for water quality. Notably, 3 northern territories have no HABs monitoring or management protocols in place. More populous provinces use a variety of information venues (websites, social media, on site postings, and radio) to communicate risks associated with HABs, whereas others' communications are limited. To induce more collaboration on HABs monitoring and management and reduce the associated risks, creating a coherent system with consistent messaging and inter-agency communication is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Rashidi
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Helen Baulch
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Arshdeep Gill
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Lalita Bharadwaj
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Lori Bradford
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Perceived Health Impacts of Watershed Development Projects in Southern India: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103448. [PMID: 32429132 PMCID: PMC7277559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Watershed development (WSD) projects—planned for over 100 million ha in semi-arid areas of India—should enhance soil and water conservation, agricultural productivity and local livelihood, and contribute to better nutrition and health. Yet, little is known about the health impacts of WSD projects, especially on nutrition, vector breeding, water quality and the distribution of impacts. We conducted a qualitative study to deepen the understanding on perceived health impacts of completed WSD projects in four villages of Kolar district, India. Field data collection comprised: (i) focus group discussions with local women (n = 2); (ii) interviews (n = 40; purposive sampling) with farmers and labourers, project employees and health workers; and (iii) transect walks. Our main findings were impacts perceived on nutrition (e.g., food security through better crop survival, higher milk consumption from livestock, alongside increased pesticide exposure with expanded agriculture), potential for mosquito larval breeding (e.g., more breeding sites) and through opportunistic activities (e.g., reduced mental stress due to improved water access). Impacts perceived varied between participant categories (e.g., better nutrition in woman-headed households from livelihood support). Some of these findings, e.g., potential negative health implications, have previously not been reported. Our observations informed a health impact assessment of a planned WSD project, and may encourage implementing agencies to incorporate health considerations to enhance positive and mitigate negative health impacts in future WSD projects.
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A Geospatial Epidemiologic Analysis of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection: An Ecological Study in Colorado. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2018; 14:1523-1532. [PMID: 28594574 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201701-081oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental microorganisms. Infection is thought to result primarily from exposure to soil and/or water sources. NTM disease prevalence varies greatly by geographic region, but the geospatial factors influencing this variation remain unclear. OBJECTIVES To identify sociodemographic and environmental ecological risk factors associated with NTM infection and disease in Colorado. METHODS We conducted an ecological study, combining data from patients with a diagnosis of NTM disease from National Jewish Health's electronic medical record database and ZIP code-level sociodemographic and environmental exposure data obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Census Bureau. We used spatial scan methods to identify high-risk clusters of NTM disease in Colorado. Ecological risk factors for disease were assessed using Bayesian generalized linear models assuming Poisson-distributed discrete responses (case counts by ZIP code) with the log link function. RESULTS We identified two statistically significant high-risk clusters of disease. The primary cluster included ZIP codes in urban regions of Denver and Aurora, as well as regions south of Denver, on the east side of the Continental Divide. The secondary cluster was located on the west side of the Continental Divide in rural and mountainous regions. After adjustment for sociodemographic, drive time, and soil variables, we identified three watershed areas with relative risks of 12.2, 4.6, and 4.2 for slowly growing NTM infections compared with the mean disease risk for all watersheds in Colorado. This study population carries with it inherent limitations that may introduce bias. The lack of complete capture of NTM cases in Colorado may be related to factors such as disease severity, education and income levels, and insurance status. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence that water derived from particular watersheds may be an important source of NTM exposure in Colorado. The watershed with the greatest risk of NTM disease contains the Dillon Reservoir. This reservoir is also the main water supply for major cities located in the two watersheds with the second and third highest disease risk in the state, suggesting an important possible source of infection.
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Kuhn A, Leibowitz SG, Johnson ZC, Lin J, Massie JA, Hollister JW, Ebersole JL, Lake JL, Serbst JR, James J, Bennett MG, Brooks JR, Nietch CT, Smucker NJ, Flotemersch JE, Alexander LC, Compton JE. Performance of National Maps of Watershed Integrity at Watershed Scales. WATER 2018; 10:1-604. [PMID: 30079254 PMCID: PMC6071426 DOI: 10.3390/w10050604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Watershed integrity, the capacity of a watershed to support and maintain ecological processes essential to the sustainability of services provided to society, can be influenced by a range of landscape and in-stream factors. Ecological response data from four intensively monitored case study watersheds exhibiting a range of environmental conditions and landscape characteristics across the United States were used to evaluate the performance of a national level Index of Watershed Integrity (IWI) at regional and local watershed scales. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs ), response variables displayed highly significant relationships and were significantly correlated with IWI and ICI (Index of Catchment Integrity) values at all watersheds. Nitrogen concentration and flux-related watershed response metrics exhibited significantly strong negative correlations across case study watersheds, with absolute correlations (|r|) ranging from 0.48 to 0.97 for IWI values, and 0.31 to 0.96 for ICI values. Nitrogen-stable isotope ratios measured in chironomids and periphyton from streams and benthic organic matter from lake sediments also demonstrated strong negative correlations with IWI values, with |r| ranging from 0.47 to 0.92, and 0.35 to 0.89 for correlations with ICI values. This evaluation of the performance of national watershed and catchment integrity metrics and their strong relationship with site level responses provides weight-of-evidence support for their use in state, local and regionally focused applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kuhn
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Scott G. Leibowitz
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Zachary C. Johnson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jiajia Lin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- National Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellow, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Jordan A. Massie
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
- Department of Earth & Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Hollister
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Joseph L. Ebersole
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - James L. Lake
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Jonathan R. Serbst
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Jennifer James
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Micah G. Bennett
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - J. Renée Brooks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Christopher T. Nietch
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Nathan J. Smucker
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Joseph E. Flotemersch
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Laurie C. Alexander
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Jana E. Compton
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
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Leibowitz SG, Wigington PJ, Schofield KA, Alexander LC, Vanderhoof MK, Golden HE. CONNECTIVITY OF STREAMS AND WETLANDS TO DOWNSTREAM WATERS: AN INTEGRATED SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION 2018; 54:298-322. [PMID: 30078985 PMCID: PMC6071435 DOI: 10.1111/1752-1688.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Interest in connectivity has increased in the aquatic sciences, partly because of its relevance to the Clean Water Act. This paper has two objectives: (1) provide a framework to understand hydrological, chemical, and biological connectivity, focusing on how headwater streams and wetlands connect to and contribute to rivers; and (2) review methods to quantify hydrological and chemical connectivity. Streams and wetlands affect river structure and function by altering material and biological fluxes to the river; this depends on two factors: (1) functions within streams and wetlands that affect material fluxes; and (2) connectivity (or isolation) from streams and wetlands to rivers that allows (or prevents) material transport between systems. Connectivity can be described in terms of frequency, magnitude, duration, timing, and rate of change. It results from physical characteristics of a system, e.g., climate, soils, geology, topography, and the spatial distribution of aquatic components. Biological connectivity is also affected by traits and behavior of the biota. Connectivity can be altered by human impacts, often in complex ways. Because of variability in these factors, connectivity is not constant but varies over time and space. Connectivity can be quantified with field-based methods, modeling, and remote sensing. Further studies using these methods are needed to classify and quantify connectivity of aquatic ecosystems and to understand how impacts affect connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Leibowitz
- Research Ecologist (Leibowitz) and formerly Research Hydrologist (Wigington), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35 St, Corvallis, Oregon 97333; Ecologist (Schofield and Alexander), National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington, Virginia 22202; Research Geographer (Vanderhoof), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225; and Research Physical Scientist (Golden), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 (Email/Leibowitz: )
| | - Parker J Wigington
- Research Ecologist (Leibowitz) and formerly Research Hydrologist (Wigington), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35 St, Corvallis, Oregon 97333; Ecologist (Schofield and Alexander), National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington, Virginia 22202; Research Geographer (Vanderhoof), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225; and Research Physical Scientist (Golden), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 (Email/Leibowitz: )
| | - Kate A Schofield
- Research Ecologist (Leibowitz) and formerly Research Hydrologist (Wigington), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35 St, Corvallis, Oregon 97333; Ecologist (Schofield and Alexander), National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington, Virginia 22202; Research Geographer (Vanderhoof), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225; and Research Physical Scientist (Golden), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 (Email/Leibowitz: )
| | - Laurie C Alexander
- Research Ecologist (Leibowitz) and formerly Research Hydrologist (Wigington), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35 St, Corvallis, Oregon 97333; Ecologist (Schofield and Alexander), National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington, Virginia 22202; Research Geographer (Vanderhoof), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225; and Research Physical Scientist (Golden), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 (Email/Leibowitz: )
| | - Melanie K Vanderhoof
- Research Ecologist (Leibowitz) and formerly Research Hydrologist (Wigington), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35 St, Corvallis, Oregon 97333; Ecologist (Schofield and Alexander), National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington, Virginia 22202; Research Geographer (Vanderhoof), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225; and Research Physical Scientist (Golden), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 (Email/Leibowitz: )
| | - Heather E Golden
- Research Ecologist (Leibowitz) and formerly Research Hydrologist (Wigington), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35 St, Corvallis, Oregon 97333; Ecologist (Schofield and Alexander), National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Arlington, Virginia 22202; Research Geographer (Vanderhoof), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225; and Research Physical Scientist (Golden), National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 (Email/Leibowitz: )
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Omernik JM, Griffith GE, Hughes RM, Glover JB, Weber MH. How Misapplication of the Hydrologic Unit Framework Diminishes the Meaning of Watersheds. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 60:1-11. [PMID: 28378091 PMCID: PMC6145848 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0854-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Hydrologic units provide a convenient but problematic nationwide set of geographic polygons based on subjectively determined subdivisions of land surface areas at several hierarchical levels. The problem is that it is impossible to map watersheds, basins, or catchments of relatively equal size and cover the whole country. The hydrologic unit framework is in fact composed mostly of watersheds and pieces of watersheds. The pieces include units that drain to segments of streams, remnant areas, noncontributing areas, and coastal or frontal units that can include multiple watersheds draining to an ocean or large lake. Hence, half or more of the hydrologic units are not watersheds as the name of the framework "Watershed Boundary Dataset" implies. Nonetheless, hydrologic units and watersheds are commonly treated as synonymous, and this misapplication and misunderstanding can have some serious scientific and management consequences. We discuss some of the strengths and limitations of watersheds and hydrologic units as spatial frameworks. Using examples from the Northwest and Southeast United States, we explain how the misapplication of the hydrologic unit framework has altered the meaning of watersheds and can impair understanding associations between spatial geographic characteristics and surface water conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Omernik
- U.S. Geological Survey (Emeritus), c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Glenn E Griffith
- U.S. Geological Survey (Emeritus), Western Geographic Science Center, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA.
| | | | - James B Glover
- Aquatic Biology Section, Bureau of Water, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA
| | - Marc H Weber
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
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Spence PL. Ecosystem Service and Environmental Health. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2016; 9:35-38. [PMID: 27147823 PMCID: PMC4847553 DOI: 10.4137/ehi.s38845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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