Indicator of risk of water contamination: Methodological development

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Authors

MacDonald, K. Bruce
Spaling, Harry

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to build on the hierarchical framework and concepts described in a companion paper to develop a methodology for the Indicator of Risk of Water Contamination (IROWC). The methodology is proposed as a preliminary model only. It requires further development and continued testing to authenticate its utility among hierarchical levels, and at various temporal and spatial scales. This discussion document describes the initial development and demonstration of IROWC, and suggests areas of further research, testing and implementation. The paper first briefly reviews a number of risk-based approaches to the analysis and assessment of water contamination by agriculture, based on previous research. It then proposes a methodology for IROWC using the budget approach. The proposed methodology is demonstrated utilizing preliminary data and. finally, suggestions for detailed implementation are presented.

Description

Agri-Environmental Indicator Project (AEI)

Keywords

agriculture, agri-environmental indicators, environmental aspects, water, pollution, water quality

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