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Scale appropriate modelling of diffuse microbial pollution from agriculture

Oliver, D.M., Heathwaite, A.L., Fish, R, Chadwick, D.R., Hodgson, C.J., Winter, M., Butler, A.J. (2009) Scale appropriate modelling of diffuse microbial pollution from agriculture. Progress in Physical Geography, 33 (3). pp. 358-377. ISSN 0309-1333. E-ISSN 1477-0296. (doi:10.1177/0309133309342647) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:59879)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0309133309342647

Abstract

The prediction of microbial concentrations and loads in receiving waters is a key requirement for informing policy decisions in order to safeguard human health. However, modelling the fate and transfer dynamics of faecally derived microorganisms at different spatial scales poses a considerable challenge to the research and policy community. The objective of this paper is to critically evaluate the complexities and associated uncertainties attributed to the development of models for assessing agriculturally derived microbial pollution of watercourses. A series of key issues with respect to scale appropriate modelling of diffuse microbial pollution from agriculture is presented, and these include: (1) appreciating inadequacies in baseline sampling to underpin model development; (2) uncertainty in the magnitudes of microbial pollutants attributed to different faecal sources; (3) continued development of the empirical evidence base in line with other agricultural pollutants; (4) acknowledging the value of interdisciplinary working; and (5) beginning to account for economics in model development. It is argued that uncertainty in model predictions produces a space for meaningful scrutiny of the nature of evidence and assumptions underpinning model applications around which pathways towards more effective model development may ultimately emerge. © The Author(s), 2009.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/0309133309342647
Additional information: Unmapped bibliographic data: AD - Centre for Sustainable Water Management, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom [Field not mapped to EPrints] AD - North Wyke Research, Okehampton EX20 2SB, United Kingdom [Field not mapped to EPrints] AD - Centre for Rural Policy Research, Department of Politics, University of Exeter, Amory Building, Exeter EX4 6RJ, United Kingdom [Field not mapped to EPrints] DB - Scopus [Field not mapped to EPrints] M3 - Article [Field not mapped to EPrints]
Uncontrolled keywords: Diffuse pollution, End-user, Faecal indicator organism, Modelling, Pathogen, Scale, Stakeholder, Uncertainty
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Robert Fish
Date Deposited: 17 Jan 2017 10:43 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:24 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/59879 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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