Using GIS and Multivariate Regressions to Model Salt and Selenium Loads in Regions of the Upper Colorado River Basin Completed
Elevated loads of salt and selenium can impair the quality of water for both anthropogenic and natural uses. Understanding the environmental processes controlling how salt and selenium are introduced to streams is critical to managing and mitigating the effects of elevated loads. Dominant relations between salt and selenium loads and environmental characteristics can be established by using geospatial data.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, investigated statistical relations between seasonal salt or selenium loads emanating from the Upper Colorado River Basin and geospatial data. Salt and selenium loads measured during the irrigation and non-irrigation seasons were related to geospatial variables for 168 subbasins within the Gunnison and Colorado River Basins. These geospatial variables represented subbasin characteristics of the physical environment, precipitation, geology, land use, and the irrigation network.
OBJECTIVES:
- Model salt and selenium loading using quantified GIS information and regression analysis to simulate, track, and manage water quality in regions of the upper Colorado River and its tributaries.
- Locate and quantify areas where salt and selenium load reductions may be feasible and to estimate loading scenarios in regions of proposed development or transitional land use. Load reductions for salt and selenium will be modeled using remediation scenarios such as polyacrylamide applications in irrigation-delivery systems or improving septic-system placement and construction.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Regression models for estimating salinity and selenium concentrations at selected sites in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Colorado, 2009-2012
Ranking contributing areas of salt and selenium in the Lower Gunnison River Basin, Colorado, using multiple linear regression models
Statistical relations of salt and selenium loads to geospatial characteristics of corresponding subbasins of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in Colorado
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
Elevated loads of salt and selenium can impair the quality of water for both anthropogenic and natural uses. Understanding the environmental processes controlling how salt and selenium are introduced to streams is critical to managing and mitigating the effects of elevated loads. Dominant relations between salt and selenium loads and environmental characteristics can be established by using geospatial data.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, investigated statistical relations between seasonal salt or selenium loads emanating from the Upper Colorado River Basin and geospatial data. Salt and selenium loads measured during the irrigation and non-irrigation seasons were related to geospatial variables for 168 subbasins within the Gunnison and Colorado River Basins. These geospatial variables represented subbasin characteristics of the physical environment, precipitation, geology, land use, and the irrigation network.
OBJECTIVES:
- Model salt and selenium loading using quantified GIS information and regression analysis to simulate, track, and manage water quality in regions of the upper Colorado River and its tributaries.
- Locate and quantify areas where salt and selenium load reductions may be feasible and to estimate loading scenarios in regions of proposed development or transitional land use. Load reductions for salt and selenium will be modeled using remediation scenarios such as polyacrylamide applications in irrigation-delivery systems or improving septic-system placement and construction.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Regression models for estimating salinity and selenium concentrations at selected sites in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Colorado, 2009-2012
Elevated concentrations of salinity and selenium in the tributaries and main-stem reaches of the Colorado River are a water-quality concern and have been the focus of remediation efforts for many years. Land-management practices with the objective of limiting the amount of salt and selenium that reaches the stream have focused on improving the methods by which irrigation water is conveyed and distAuthorsJoshua I. Linard, Keelin R. SchaffrathRanking contributing areas of salt and selenium in the Lower Gunnison River Basin, Colorado, using multiple linear regression models
Mitigating the effects of salt and selenium on water quality in the Grand Valley and lower Gunnison River Basin in western Colorado is a major concern for land managers. Previous modeling indicated means to improve the models by including more detailed geospatial data and a more rigorous method for developing the models. After evaluating all possible combinations of geospatial variables, four multAuthorsJoshua I. LinardStatistical relations of salt and selenium loads to geospatial characteristics of corresponding subbasins of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in Colorado
Elevated loads of salt and selenium can impair the quality of water for both anthropogenic and natural uses. Understanding the environmental processes controlling how salt and selenium are introduced to streams is critical to managing and mitigating the effects of elevated loads. Dominant relations between salt and selenium loads and environmental characteristics can be established by using geospaAuthorsKenneth J. Leib, Joshua I. Linard, Cory A. Williams - Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.