Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Modelling spatial variation in the treatment costs of non-point source pollution in mountainous regions of southwest China

  • Published:
Journal of Mountain Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Non-point source (NPS) pollution is considered to be one of the main threats of the aquatic environment. Mountainous regions are particularly important water sources for urban areas. The various driving factors of NPS pollution such as terrain, precipitation, and vegetation type in mountainous regions show clear spatial heterogeneity. Consequently, the management systems required for NPS pollution in mountainous regions are complex. In this study, we developed a framework to estimate and map the treatment costs for NPS pollution in mountainous regions and applied this method in Baoxing County, a typical mountainous county in Sichuan Province of southwest China. The export levels of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in Baoxing County were estimated using the water purification model in InVEST (Itegrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) tool. NPS pollutant treatment costs were calculated based on the level of pollutants exports, water yield, water quality targets, and treatment costs of NPS pollutants per unit mass. The results show that at the watershed level the amounts of TN and TP exported in Baoxing County were below threshold limits. However, at the sub-watershed level, TN and TP excesses of 291.64 and 2.96 tons per year were found, respectively, with mean TN and TP treatment costs of 6.58 US$/hm2 and 0.35 US$/hm2. Appraising pollution treatment cost intuitively reflects the overall expenditure in NPS pollution reduction from an economic perspective. This study provides a foundation for the implementation of Payment for Ecosystem Service (PES) and the prevention and control of NPS pollution.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alexander, RB, Elliott, AH, Shankar U, et al. (2002) Estimating the sources and transport of nutrients in the Waikato River Basin, New Zealand. Water Resources Research 38(12): 1268–1290. https://doi.org/10.1029/2001WR000878

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arnold, JG, Allen PM (1996) Estimating hydrologic budgets for three Illinois watersheds. Journal of Hydrolog. 176. 57–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(95)02782-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen L, Qiu, JL, Wei, GY, et al. (2015) A preference-based multi-objective model for the optimization of best management practices. Journal of Hydrolog. 520. 356–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.11.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen L, Wei, GY, Zhong, YC, et al. (2014) Targeting priority management areas for multiple pollutants from non-point sources. Journal of Hazardous Material. 280. 244–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.08.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y, Shuai, JB, Zhang Z, et al. (2014) at a watershed scale. Ecological Engineerin. 62. 61–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2013.10.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding, XW, Shen, ZY, Hong Q, et al. (2010) Development and test of the export coefficient model in the upper reach of the Yangtze River. Journal of Hydrology 383. 233–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.12.039

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engel S, Pagiola S, Wunder S (2008) Designing payments for environmental services in theory and practice: an overview of the issues. Ecological Economic. 65. 663–674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2008.03.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fu B, Wang, YK, Xu P, et al. (2012) Modelling nutrient retention function of ecosystem–a case study in Baoxing County, China. Procedia Environmental Scienc. 13. 111–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2012.01.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geng, RZ, Wang, XY, Jiao S, et al. (2013) Application of improved export coefficient model in estimating non-point source nutrient load from Miyun reservoir watersheds. Acta Scientiae Circumstantia. 33. 1484–1492. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoyer R, Chang HJ (2014) Assessment of freshwater ecosystem services in the Tualatin and Yamhill basins under climate change and urbanization. Applied Geograph. 53. 402–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2014.06.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu T, Zhou W (2015) Rural residential spatial layout analysis in Xining City. Areal Research & Development. 34. 124–129. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ierodiaconou D, Laurenson L, Leblanc M, et al. (2005) The consequences of land use change on nutrient exports: a regional scale assessment in south-west Victoria, Australia. Journal of Environmental Management. 74. 305–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2004.09.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, GH, He X, Ma, WQ, et al. (2015) Rural settlements spatial pattern evolution and zoning district based on spatial autocorrelation. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering 31(13): 265–273. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnes PJ (1996) Evaluation and management of the impact of land use change on the nitrogen and phosphorus load delivered to surface waters: the export coefficient modelling approach. Journal of Hydrolog. 183. 323–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(95)02951-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kareiva P, Tallis H, Ricketts, TH, et al. (2011) Natural capital: theory and practice of mapping ecosystem services. Oxford University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Lal H, Delgado, JA, Gross, CM, et al. (2009) Market-based approaches and tools for improving water and air quality. Environmental Science & Policy 12. 1028–1039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2009.05.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lai, YC, Yang, CP, Hsieh, CY, et al. (2011) using a multimedia two-model system. Journal of Hydrology. 409. 583–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2011.08.040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liang, CD, Long, TY, Li, JC, et al. (2007) Importation loads of non-point source nitrogen and phosphorus in the Three Gorges Reservoir. Resources and Environment in the Yangtze Basin 16(1): 26–30. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindenschmidt, KE, Fleischbein K, Baborowski M (2007) Structural uncertainty in a river water quality modelling system. Ecological Modellin. 204. 289–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.01.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, RM, Yang, ZF, Ding, XW, et al. (2006) Effect of land use/cover change on pollution load of non-point source in Upper Reach of Yangtze River Basin. Environmental Science 27(12): 2407–2714. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, YQ, Yang, YL, Li FH (2011) Estimation of pollution loads from agricultural nonpoint sources in Beijing region based on export coefficient modeling approach. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering 27(7): 7–12. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma, YL, Ao, TQ, Zhang, HB, et al. (2013) Non-point source analysis of Laixi River Basin in Luxian County based on output coefficient model. Journal of Sichuan Agricultural University 31(1): 53–59. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Onda Y, Tsujimura M, Fujihara, JI, et al. (2006) Runoff generation mechanisms in high-relief mountainous watersheds with different underlying geology. Journal of Hydrology 331. 659–673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2006.06.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ouyang W, Wang, XL, Hao, FH, et al. (2009) Temporal-spatial dynamics of vegetation variation on non-point source nutrient pollution. Ecological Modellin. 220. 2702–2713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2009.06.039

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panagopoulos Y, Makropoulos C, Baltas E, et al. (2011) SWAT parameterization for the identification of critical diffuse pollution source areas under data limitations. Ecological Modelling. 222. 3500–3512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2011.08.008

  • Qian, XY, Shen, GX, Guo, CX, et al. (2011) Source apportionment and spatial heterogeneity of agricultural non-point source pollution based on water environmental function zoning. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering 27(2): 103–108. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sattler C, Matzdorf B (2013) PES in a nutshell: from definitions and origins to PES in practice—approaches, design process and innovative aspects. Ecosystem Service. 6. 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2013.09.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, ZY, Hong Q, Chu Z, et al. (2011) A framework for priority non-point source area identification and load estimation integrated with APPI and PLOAD model in Fujiang Watershed, China. Agricultural Water Management 98. 977–989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2011.01.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, ZY, Liao Q, Hong Q, et al. (2012) An overview of research on agricultural non-point source pollution modelling in China. Separation & Purification Technology 84. 104–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2011.01.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, ZY, Qiu, JL, Hong Q, et al. (2014) Simulation of spatial and temporal distributions of non-point source pollution load in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region. Science of The Total Environment 493. 138–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi, YY, Xu, GH, Wang, YG, et al. (2017) Modelling hydrology and water quality processes in the Pengxi Riverbasin of the Three Gorges Reservoir using the soil and waterassessment tool. Agricultural Water Management 182. 24–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2016.12.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tallis, HT, Ricketts T, Guerry, AD, et al. (2011) InVEST 2.4.1 User's Guide. The Natural Capital Project, Stanford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tavakoly, AA, Maidment, DR, McClelland, JW, et al. (2015) A GIS framework for regional modeling of riverine nitrogen transport: case study, San Antonio and Guadalupe Basins. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 52(1): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.12355

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volk M, Hirschfeld J, Dehnhardt A, et al. (2008) Integrated ecological-economic modelling of water pollution abatement management options in the Upper Ems River Basin. Ecological Economic. 66. 66–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2008.01.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, HJ, Guo, YL, Wang Q (2015) Analysis on human settlement spatial characteristics in Baoxing County, Ya’an Earthquake-Stricken Area. Journal of Ningxia University (Natural Science Edition) 36(2): 191–196. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, MT, Qu, HH, Yang, XG, et al. (2012) Optimized cropping systems based on ensure index of precipitation in Sichuan Province. Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) 40(10): 82–92. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • White M, Harmel D, Yen H, et al. (2015) Development of sediment and nutrient export coefficients for US ecoregions. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 51(3): 758–775. https://doi.org/10.1111/jawr.12270

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Worrall F, Burt TP (1999) The impact of land-use change on water quality at the catchment scale: the use of export coefficient and structural models. Journal of Hydrology 221. 75–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-1694(99)00084-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wünscher T, Engel S, Wunder S (2008). Spatial targeting of payments for environmental services: a tool for boosting conservation benefits. Ecological Economic. 65. 822–833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2007.11.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie, JB, He, CG, Zhong QL (2013) Spatial selection and allocation of ecological compensation: importance and research trends. Journal of Subtropical Resources and Environment 8(2): 29–34. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu Y (2014) Characteristics and management of the water quality of drinking water sources under natural and human disturbances in Tianjin. Nankai University, Tianjin. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yan SD (2008) Source apportionment and spatial heterogeneity of agricultural non-point source pollution in Huangshi, Hubei Province. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering 24(9): 225–228. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y, Duan, HP, Sun, AL, et al. (2013) Rural sewage treatment techniques mode and purifying effect of nitrogen and phosphorus in Jiangsu Province, China. Journal of Agro-Environment Science 32(1): 172–178. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao L (2008) Research on method of estimating the load of the non-point source pollution. Environmental Science Survey 27(4): 9–13. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, WZ, Liu, GH, Pan, JJ, et al. (2005) Distribution of available soil water capacity in China. Journal of Geographical Sciences 15(1): 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02873101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu B, Wang, ZH, Wang T, et al. (2012) Non-point-source nitrogen and phosphorus loadings from a small watershed in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Journal of Mountain Science 9. 10–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-012-2196-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This study was sponsored by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41371539), Guangxi Natural Science Foundation Program (Grant Nos. 2018GXNSFBA138026), and Guangxi Young and Middle-aged University Teachers' Scientific Research Ability Enhancement Project (Grant Nos. 2018KY0360). The authors would hereby like to express their sincere thanks. The comments of reviewers and the editors of the journal to improve this manuscript are also acknowledged.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Process and Intelligent Simulation, Nanning Normal University, Nanning, 530001, China

    Ju Liu & Cheng-hu Zhang

  2. Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China

    Bin Fu & Yu-kuan Wang

Authors
  1. Ju Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bin Fu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Cheng-hu Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yu-kuan Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Ju Liu or Yu-kuan Wang.

Electronic supplementary material

11629_2018_5051_MOESM1_ESM.pdf

Modelling spatial variation in the treatment costs of non-point source pollution in mountainous regions of southwest China

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liu, J., Fu, B., Zhang, Ch. et al. Modelling spatial variation in the treatment costs of non-point source pollution in mountainous regions of southwest China. J. Mt. Sci. 16, 1901–1912 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-018-5051-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-018-5051-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation