An Evaluation of Dissolved Oxygen Modelling of the Athabasca River and the Wapiti-Smoky River System


Book Description

An important component of an overall mutrients model for the northern river systems is the development of appropriate dissolved oxygen models. This study tries to assess the ability of the models (dissolved oxygen model DOSTOC) to predict observed conditions and to identify field research needs for model refinement.




Contaminant Fate Modelling, Athabasca, Wapiti and Smoky Rivers


Book Description

Describes and presents simulation results from numerical models of the transport and fate of environmental chemicals in northern Alberta rivers. The models were developed using the USEPA WASP modelling system and were structured as one-dimensional (longitudinal) models with separate, interacting water column and bed sediment compartments. Seven selected organic chemicals were simulated over 1992-93 for the Athabasca River and over 1990-91 for the Wapiti/Smoky River system. Chemicals simulated included 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro dibenzofuran, dehydroabietic acid, and phenanthrene. The models were first calibrated for sodium and total suspended solids. Organic chemicals were simulated using a set of environmental fate constants developed from a literature search, numerical estimation software, and estimation from field data. Results of initial simulations were compared to observed data and adjustments made to selected constants to improve the calibration.




Assessment and Validation of Modelling Under-ice Dissolved Oxygen Using DOSTOC, Athabasca River, 1988 to 1994


Book Description

The aim of this study was to examine the existing model approach and to make recommendations for improved modelling of under-ice dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the Athabasca River. Previous modelling efforts have involved using the DO simulation model DOSTOC, but discrepancies between observed and predicted DO concentrations for 1992 and 1993 highlighted the needs for a review and assessment of the modelling approaches used. This report reviews the structure of the DOSTOC model and input data used for modelling, then describes a stochastic run of the model using the best available values for input data and process rates, including revised rates and ratios for converting five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD) values to ultimate BOD values, measured values for sediment oxygen demand and sedimentation, and a temperature correction for pulp mill BOD decay rates. Simulation results indicate whether the model could predict DO for 1990-94 winters. Regression equations were also developed relating DO concentration to river distance.




Proceedings of the Workshop on Environmental Aspects of River Ice


Book Description

Proceedings of the workshop, covering the geomorphological, physical, and biological effects of river ice along with other environmental aspects.




Technical Reports of the Northern River Basins Study by Subject and Geographical Area Studied


Book Description

Lists Northern River Basins Study technical reports by issue number, subject, and geographic area studied. Subject areas used to classify the reports are: hydrology/hydraulics, nutrients/dissolved oxygen, contaminants, food chain, drinking water, other uses, traditional knowledge, and synthesis and modelling. Ten geographic divisions are used: three each for the Athabasca and Peace Rivers, and one each of the Wapiti/Smoky rivers, Peace-Athabasca Delta, Lake Athabasca, and Rivière des Rochers/Slave River.




Dissolved Oxygen Conditions and Fish Requirements in the Athabasca, Peace and Slave Rivers


Book Description

The NTBS was designed to address the ecological concerns about pulp mill expansion, and to increase scientific knowledge about environmental conditions [ecology, ecosystem sustainability, water pollution and control, habitat, effect on fish and fishing, etc.] in the major river systems of the north. The study's objectives were to gather and interpret sound scientific information about the basins, develop appropriate recommendations for basin management, and communicate effectively with the public. The government response report confirms the governments' commitment to ecosystem sustainability and to pollution control in northern rivers. First Nations and Metis aboriginal [native] peoples contributed significantly to the NRBS.




Northern River Basins Study


Book Description

Report to the federal ministers of Environment and Indian & Northern Affairs, Alberta's Minister of Environmental Protection, and NWT's Minister of Renewable Resources. Summarises the main scientific findings of the Northern River Basins Study, which was established to examine the relationship between industrial, municipal, agricultural, and other development and the Peace, Athabasca, and Slave River basins. Reviews the characteristics of the northern river basins and their peoples, the organisation of the Study, and major findings in the areas of environmental overview, use of aquatic resources, traditional knowledge, flow regulation, fish distribution and habitat, nutrients, dissolved oxygen, contaminants, drinking water, ecosystem health, modelling, human health, and cumulative effects. Recommendations by the Study Board, First Nations, and scientific advisors regarding such issues as basin management, monitoring, research, public participation, and a successor organisation are then presented. Also includes a summary of opinions, suggestions, and recommendations expressed at 17 community workshops held throughout the northern river basins area.




Investigations of Streambed Oxygen Demand, Athabasca River, October 1994 to March 1995


Book Description

Presents findings of a project conducted to determine whether streambed oxygen demand (SOD) rates in the Athabasca River are consistently higher downstream of effluent inputs during winter, how the trend varies throughout the winter, and whether SOD is influenced directly by nutrient loads from effluents. Investigators obtained SOD measurements at 13 locations from upstream of Hinton downstream to the Calling River. The substrates at these locations were mainly coarse, with pebble, cobble, and boulder predominating. Controlling factors affecting SOD are discussed.




Microlog, Canadian Research Index


Book Description

An indexing, abstracting and document delivery service that covers current Canadian report literature of reference value from government and institutional sources.