Modelling the impact of future climate change on streamflow and water quality in Wales, UK

Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolynErthygladolygiad gan gymheiriaid

Fersiynau electronig

Dogfennau

Dangosydd eitem ddigidol (DOI)

Climate change is likely to have a major impact on future hydrological regimes, impacting numerous sectors reliant on surface waters. We use the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to model future (2021-2080) streamflow and water quality variables (nitrogen, phosphorus, suspended sediment, and dissolved oxygen), in five catchments in Wales, under a worst-case scenario of future greenhouse gas concentrations (RCP8.5). Results show a decline in annual average flows (-4% to -13%) but larger changes seasonally (spring, up to 41% increase; autumn, up to 52% reduction). The magnitude and frequency of high flow events increases in spring (magnitude: Sen’s slope range 0.165-0.589, p <0.01), with more low flows in autumn (Sen’s slope range 0.064-0.090, p <0.01). Water quality declines, with higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment concentrations and lower dissolved oxygen levels. The findings have economic and environmental implications for abstractors, as water resources could become more unreliable, seasonal, and polluted.

Allweddeiriau

Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Tudalennau (o-i)939-962
Nifer y tudalennau24
CyfnodolynHydrological Sciences Journal
Cyfrol67
Rhif y cyfnodolyn6
Dyddiad ar-lein cynnar22 Chwef 2022
Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs)
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - 25 Ebr 2022

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