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Estimates of long-term mean-annual nutrient loads considered for use in SPARROW models of the Midcontinental region of Canada and the United States, 2002 base year

Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5051
Prepared in cooperation with the International Joint Commission
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185051

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Abstract

Streamflow and nutrient concentration data needed to compute nitrogen and phosphorus loads were compiled from Federal, State, Provincial, and local agency databases and also from selected university databases. The nitrogen and phosphorus loads are necessary inputs to Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed Attributes (SPARROW) models. SPARROW models are a way to estimate the distribution, sources, and transport of nutrients in streams throughout the Midcontinental region of Canada and the United States. After screening the data, approximately 1,500 sites sampled by 34 agencies were identified as having suitable data for calculating the long-term mean-annual nutrient loads required for SPARROW model calibration. These final sites represent a wide range in watershed sizes, types of nutrient sources, and land-use and watershed characteristics in the Midcontinental region of Canada and the United States.

Suggested Citation

Saad, D.A., Benoy, G.A., and Robertson, D.M., 2018, Estimates of long-term mean-annual nutrient loads considered for use in SPARROW models of the Midcontinental region of Canada and the United States, 2002 base year: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018–5051, 14 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185051.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Water-Quality and Streamflow Data used to Estimate Long-Term Mean-Annual Nutrient Loads
  • Methods for Estimating Long-Term, Mean-Annual Nutrient Loads
  • Final Loads Considered for use in the 2002 Midcontinent Total Phosphorus and Total Nitrogen SPARROW Models
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Sampling Agencies Associated with Water-Quality Data used to Calculate Load Estimates Considered for use in 2002 Midcontinent SPARROW Models 
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Estimates of long-term mean-annual nutrient loads considered for use in SPARROW models of the Midcontinental region of Canada and the United States, 2002 base year
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2018-5051
DOI 10.3133/sir20185051
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Wisconsin Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 14 p.; Data Release
Country Canada, United States
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details