PROWATER: Program for the prevention of diffuse water pollution with phosphorus from degraded and re-wetted peat soils

Projektleitung: P. Leinweber

Förderung: Europäische Union EKV1-CT1999-00036

Kooperation: Koordinierung des konsortiums aus 9 weiteren Partners

Zeitraum:

Einordung:
Institut: Professur Bodenkunde
Teilschwerpunkt: Umweltgerechter Stoffhaushalt

Projektbeschreibung:
Problem: The re-wetting and restoration of peatlands (synonym: Histosols) can be accompanied by the mobilisation of phosphorus (P), its transport to adjoining aquatic ecosystems, and an accelerated eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. PROWATER is aimed to develop scientifically based guidelines for the use and restoration of Histosols that prevent the diffuse pollution of water with P.

Scientific objectives and approach: The main objective of the project is to prevent freshwater from diffuse pollution with phosphorus (P) mobilised from peat soils (Histosols). Specific objectives are to (1) identify the chemical forms of P in native, degraded and re-wetted Histosols, (2) measure and assess the actual P pollution of ground and surface water in six representative field studies, (3) develop models which describe the main factors of P mobilisation and transport from Histosols to water and calculate scenarios for re-wetting strategies, and (4) to develop a user-friendly Decision Support System to enable re-wetting strategies at minimised P input to freshwater. Finally this will be assessed in co-operation with end-users of PROWATER results.

PROWATER is organised in four connected workpackages (WPs). In WP 1 the study areas in Israel, Germany, Poland, Sweden and in the U.K. will be characterised, equipped with automated field stations, and a co-ordinated field research and sampling programme will be carried out. In WP 2, the P status of soils will be characterised by advanced analytical methods (total P, P forms by sequential fractionation, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, ad/desorption isotherms). The relationships between external factors and P mobilisation will be quantified in microcosm experiments under controlled conditions. The data sets will be used in WP 3 as model input. The quantified relationships between P status, external factors and P mobilisation will improve conceptual models of P transformations in Histosols. Furthermore we will test, validate and adapt existing numerical models of P mobilisation and transport. Reliable scenarios of re-wetting strategies will be simulated and the effects on diffuse P transfer from Histosols to freshwater will be calculated. In WP 4 a Decision Support System for Histosol restoration and sustaining of good water quality will be developed. This requires the integration of scenarios from WP 3 with the ecological, political, and socio-economic targets in study areas, participating countries and the EU. PROWATER will finish with the application and evaluation of the Decision Support System in case studies of the consequences of re-wetting measures for end-users and stakeholders.

Bearbeiter: A. Schlichtig

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