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The objective of the current study is groundwater vulnerability assessment using DRASTIC, modified DRASTIC, and three statistical bivariate models (frequency ratio (FR), evidential belief function (EBF), and weights-of-evidence (WOE)) for Sari-Behshahr plain, Iran. A total of 218 wells were sampled for nitrate concentration measurement in 2015. Datasets were generated using results from 109 wells having nitrate concentrations greater than 50 mg/L. The nitrate data were divided into two groups of 70% (76 locations as training dataset) for modeling and 30% (33 locations as a testing dataset) for model validation. Finally, five groundwater potential pollution (GPP) maps were produced by the training dataset and then evaluated using the testing dataset and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. Results of the ROC method showed that the WOE model had the highest predictive power, followed by EBF, FR, modified DRASTIC, and DRASTIC models. Results of the maps obtained revealed that high and very high pollution potential covered the southern part of the study areas, where big cities are located. Results of the present study can be replicated in other locations for identifying groundwater contaminant prone areas.
Khabat Khosravi; Majid Sartaj; Mahshid Karimi; Jana Levison; Aghdas Lotfi. A GIS-based groundwater pollution potential using DRASTIC, modified DRASTIC, and bivariate statistical models. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2021, 1 -17.
AMA StyleKhabat Khosravi, Majid Sartaj, Mahshid Karimi, Jana Levison, Aghdas Lotfi. A GIS-based groundwater pollution potential using DRASTIC, modified DRASTIC, and bivariate statistical models. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021; ():1-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKhabat Khosravi; Majid Sartaj; Mahshid Karimi; Jana Levison; Aghdas Lotfi. 2021. "A GIS-based groundwater pollution potential using DRASTIC, modified DRASTIC, and bivariate statistical models." Environmental Science and Pollution Research , no. : 1-17.
Nutrient export from agricultural land to surface waters is a significant environmental concern within the Great Lakes Basin (GLB). A field-based watershed-scale study was completed to investigate spatial and temporal variations of phosphorus and nitrate to assess nutrient transport pathways and groundwater-surface water interactions in an agriculturally dominated clay plain system. This was conducted in the 127 km2 Upper Parkhill Watershed, near Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Data collection occurred from June 2018 to May 2019 via continuous sensor deployment and discrete sampling of stream water, groundwater, hyporheic zone, and tile drainage water. Samples were analyzed for various nutrient species (total, total dissolved, soluble reactive, and particulate phosphorus, and nitrate-N) to examine the hydrological dynamics of principal transport pathways of agriculturally-derived nutrients. Total phosphorus and nitrate concentrations in stream water ranged from 0.007 to 0.324 mg/L and 0.32 to 13.13 mg NO3−-N/L, respectively. Tile drainage water total phosphorous concentrations varied from 0.006 to 0.066 mg/L. Groundwater total dissolved phosphorus concentrations ranged from <0.003 to 0.085 mg/L. Transport of phosphorus through tile drainage was observed to be greater than through groundwater over the study period. No distinct relationship was observed between nutrient concentrations in the hyporheic zone and the vertical hydraulic gradient within this zone in the studied stream reach. Preliminary correlations were discerned between water quality observations and recognized land management practices. Given the elevated stream nutrient concentrations, these results are consequential for the continual improvement of strategies and programs devised to conserve water resources within the GLB.
Ceilidh Mackie; Jana Levison; Andrew Binns; Ivan O'Halloran. Groundwater-surface water interactions and agricultural nutrient transport in a Great Lakes clay plain system. Journal of Great Lakes Research 2020, 47, 145 -159.
AMA StyleCeilidh Mackie, Jana Levison, Andrew Binns, Ivan O'Halloran. Groundwater-surface water interactions and agricultural nutrient transport in a Great Lakes clay plain system. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 2020; 47 (1):145-159.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCeilidh Mackie; Jana Levison; Andrew Binns; Ivan O'Halloran. 2020. "Groundwater-surface water interactions and agricultural nutrient transport in a Great Lakes clay plain system." Journal of Great Lakes Research 47, no. 1: 145-159.
It is well known that watershed-based source water protection programs are integral to the provision of clean drinking water. However, the involvement of Indigenous communities in these programs is very limited in Canada, which has contributed to the vulnerability of Indigenous source waters to contamination. Through a partnership with an Anishinaabe community, this research aimed to identify challenges and opportunities for communities and practitioners to improve the protection of Indigenous source waters in the province of Ontario. The methodology followed the Indigenous research principles of relationship, respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility. Interviews and a youth focus group were conducted with Indigenous community members and practitioners from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government. Analysis was conducted using an iterative process to develop codes and themes in the qualitative data analysis software NVivo. Results indicated that issues with scale, jurisdiction, the concept of source water protection, representation, funding, and capacity impact efforts to protect Indigenous source waters. Hopeful recent developments and upcoming opportunities were identified, and a water protection framework for First Nation communities in Ontario was developed in partnership with an Anishinaabe water protection committee. Recommendations are provided to multiple sectors for moving forward respectfully, and effectively, towards the protection of Indigenous waters.
Rachael Marshall; Michele DesJardine; Jana Levison; Kim Anderson; Edward McBean. Moving towards Effective First Nations’ Source Water Protection: Barriers, Opportunities, and a Framework. Water 2020, 12, 2957 .
AMA StyleRachael Marshall, Michele DesJardine, Jana Levison, Kim Anderson, Edward McBean. Moving towards Effective First Nations’ Source Water Protection: Barriers, Opportunities, and a Framework. Water. 2020; 12 (11):2957.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRachael Marshall; Michele DesJardine; Jana Levison; Kim Anderson; Edward McBean. 2020. "Moving towards Effective First Nations’ Source Water Protection: Barriers, Opportunities, and a Framework." Water 12, no. 11: 2957.
Groundwater nitrate is a concern in the Great Lakes Basin (GLB) of North America. Concentrations vary based on hydrogeologic setting and surface contamination pressures. The first objective of this study was to characterize groundwater nitrate trends in a spatial and temporal context across three unique hydrogeologic and land-use settings in the GLB, at research sites in Norfolk, Guelph, and Acton, in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The second objective was to compare groundwater nitrate trends at the sites to determine the potential influence of hydrogeologic setting on seasonal nitrate variability. Groundwater nitrate-N concentrations and additional parameters were measured at 25 monitoring wells at the three sites, once every 2 months from June 2014 to July 2016 (13 sampling events). The dominant land-use pressure at all three sites is agricultural; however, the type of agriculture and the amount of natural and urban land vary. The Guelph site had the highest nitrate concentrations, while the Acton and Norfolk mean concentrations were similar. Seasonally, nitrate was found to be highest during the spring and early summer periods at all three sites. Several monitoring locations had cyclical patterns in nitrate concentrations, while others remained consistent except for isolated peak events. Comparison of multiple years reveals the expression of a relationship between climatic conditions during winter months and nitrate concentrations, indicating the importance of antecedent conditions to groundwater nitrate concentrations. The combination of climatic conditions, land-use pressure, and hydrogeologic setting plays an important role in the characteristics of groundwater nitrate time-series trends.
Scott G. Gardner; Jana Levison; Beth L. Parker; Ralph C. Martin. Groundwater nitrate in three distinct hydrogeologic and land-use settings in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Hydrogeology Journal 2020, 28, 1891 -1908.
AMA StyleScott G. Gardner, Jana Levison, Beth L. Parker, Ralph C. Martin. Groundwater nitrate in three distinct hydrogeologic and land-use settings in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Hydrogeology Journal. 2020; 28 (5):1891-1908.
Chicago/Turabian StyleScott G. Gardner; Jana Levison; Beth L. Parker; Ralph C. Martin. 2020. "Groundwater nitrate in three distinct hydrogeologic and land-use settings in southwestern Ontario, Canada." Hydrogeology Journal 28, no. 5: 1891-1908.
Seven artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed to predict daytime actual evapotranspiration (ET) for Nissouri Creek in Oxford County, Canada, from April to July 2018, using the Bowen ratio energy balance method as target output for the first time. In total, 12 variations of each model were deployed using different combinations of model parameters, including the sigmoid and rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation functions, stochastic gradient descent (SGD), and root-mean-square-propagation (RMSprop) learning algorithms, three different network architectures, and 100 and 500 training epochs. This is the first time that ReLU has been used in ANNs that predict ET and it outperformed sigmoid in six of the seven models. This is particularly significant because until now the sigmoid activation function (or variations therein) had been exclusively employed in the ET literature. RMSprop was also used for the first time and typically demonstrated equivalent performance to that of SGD. The optimal model employs the ReLU activation function, consists of a 4-4-1 network architecture, includes the input parameters of net radiation, air temperature, soil heat flux, and wind speed, and is trained by the SGD learning algorithm for 500 training epochs. This model boasts a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.997, root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.39 mm/day, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.18 mm/day. Furthermore, all seven models developed adequately model the ET process, with R2 ranging from 0.988 to 0.997, RMSE from 0.39 to 0.78 mm/day, and MAE from 0.18 to 0.58 mm/day.
Spencer Walls; Andrew D. Binns; Jana Levison; Scott MacRitchie. Prediction of actual evapotranspiration by artificial neural network models using data from a Bowen ratio energy balance station. Neural Computing and Applications 2020, 32, 14001 -14018.
AMA StyleSpencer Walls, Andrew D. Binns, Jana Levison, Scott MacRitchie. Prediction of actual evapotranspiration by artificial neural network models using data from a Bowen ratio energy balance station. Neural Computing and Applications. 2020; 32 (17):14001-14018.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSpencer Walls; Andrew D. Binns; Jana Levison; Scott MacRitchie. 2020. "Prediction of actual evapotranspiration by artificial neural network models using data from a Bowen ratio energy balance station." Neural Computing and Applications 32, no. 17: 14001-14018.
Nitrate in groundwater is a major concern in agricultural sub-watersheds. This study assessed the impacts of future climate and agricultural land use changes on groundwater nitrate concentrations in an agricultural sub-watershed (Norfolk site) in southern Ontario, Canada. A fully integrated hydrologic model (HydroGeoSphere) was used in combination with the root zone water quality model (RZWQM2) (shallow zone) to develop water flow and nitrate transport models. Three climate change models and three crop rotations (corn-soybean rotation, continuous corn, corn-soybean-winter wheat-red clover rotation) were used to evaluate the potential impact on groundwater quality (nine predictive scenarios). The selected climate change scenarios yielded less water availability in the future period than in the reference period (past conditions). The simulated nitrate nitrogen (Nitrate-N) concentrations were lower during the future period than the reference period. The continuous corn land use scenario produced higher Nitrate-N concentrations compared to the base case (corn-soybean rotation). However, the best management practices (BMP) scenario (corn-soybean-winter wheat-red clover rotation) produced significantly lower groundwater nitrate concentrations. BMPs, such as the one examined herein, should be adopted to reduce potential negative impacts of future climate change on groundwater quality, especially in vulnerable settings. These findings are important for water and land managers, to mitigate future impacts of nutrient transport on groundwater quality under a changing climate.
Shoaib Saleem; Jana Levison; Beth Parker; Ralph Martin; Elisha Persaud. Impacts of Climate Change and Different Crop Rotation Scenarios on Groundwater Nitrate Concentrations in a Sandy Aquifer. Sustainability 2020, 12, 1153 .
AMA StyleShoaib Saleem, Jana Levison, Beth Parker, Ralph Martin, Elisha Persaud. Impacts of Climate Change and Different Crop Rotation Scenarios on Groundwater Nitrate Concentrations in a Sandy Aquifer. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (3):1153.
Chicago/Turabian StyleShoaib Saleem; Jana Levison; Beth Parker; Ralph Martin; Elisha Persaud. 2020. "Impacts of Climate Change and Different Crop Rotation Scenarios on Groundwater Nitrate Concentrations in a Sandy Aquifer." Sustainability 12, no. 3: 1153.
Fractured bedrock aquifers provide an important source of drinking water in many regions around the world. In settings with low matrix porosity and a small number of highly transmissive features, such as crystalline bedrock, high groundwater velocities through connected fracture pathways can increase aquifer vulnerability to contamination. Multiple fracture network characterization techniques (e.g. geological, geophysical, and hydraulic) are available to better understand this vulnerability. Conceptualizations of fracture network connectivity may be examined through the use of numerical models. Recently, data gathered during the installation of FLUTeTM blank liners have been used to assess cross-hole transmissivity and fracture interconnections. Modelling and interpreting this type of hydraulic test presents a challenge since the open borehole length decreases during a liner installation. This study provides a method to simulate a FLUTeTM liner installation using HydroGeoSphere, a finite element code capable of simulating 3D transient flow conditions in discrete fracture networks. Results from previous published studies are used to inform the initial model configuration from which the sensitivity to various inputs, including fracture aperture, are then assessed. Good correlation between simulated and observed hydraulic response profiles was obtained. However, modelled fracture apertures yield an estimated bulk borehole transmissivity of 1.3x10-3 m2/s, which was found to exceed a previous estimate of 2.1x10-4 m2/s obtained from constant head injection testing. This may suggest overestimation of fracture apertures in the presented approach. Nonetheless, this study supports numerical modelling as a viable method to simulate borehole liner installations.
Peter Bishop; Elisha Persaud; Jana Levison; Beth Parker; Kentner Novakowski. Inferring flow pathways between bedrock boreholes using the hydraulic response to borehole liner installation. Journal of Hydrology 2019, 580, 124267 .
AMA StylePeter Bishop, Elisha Persaud, Jana Levison, Beth Parker, Kentner Novakowski. Inferring flow pathways between bedrock boreholes using the hydraulic response to borehole liner installation. Journal of Hydrology. 2019; 580 ():124267.
Chicago/Turabian StylePeter Bishop; Elisha Persaud; Jana Levison; Beth Parker; Kentner Novakowski. 2019. "Inferring flow pathways between bedrock boreholes using the hydraulic response to borehole liner installation." Journal of Hydrology 580, no. : 124267.
Road salt is pervasively used throughout Canada and in other cold regions during winter. For cities relying exclusively on groundwater, it is important to plan and minimize the application of salt accordingly to mitigate the adverse effects of high chloride concentrations in water supply aquifers. The use of geospatial data (road network, land use, Quaternary and bedrock geology, average annual recharge, water-table depth, soil distribution, topography) in the DRASTIC methodology provides an efficient way of distinguishing salt-vulnerable areas associated with groundwater supply wells, to aid in the implementation of appropriate management practices for road salt application in urban areas. This research presents a GIS-based methodology to accomplish a vulnerability analysis for 12 municipal water supply wells within the City of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The chloride application density (CAD) value at each supply well is calculated and related to the measured groundwater chloride concentrations and further combined with soil media and aquifer vadose- and saturated-zone properties used in DRASTIC. This combined approach, CAD-DRASTIC, is more accurate than existing groundwater vulnerability mapping methods and can be used by municipalities and other water managers to further improve groundwater protection related to road salt application. Le sel de déneigement est utilisé abondamment sur le territoire Canadien et d’autres régions froides durant l’hiver. Pour les villes dont l’approvisionnement en eau est essentiellement issu des eaux souterraines, il est important de planifier et minimiser l’application du sel afin de maîtriser les effets négatifs liés à des concentrations élevées en chlorures dans les eaux souterraines captées. L’utilisation de données géoréférencées (réseau routier, occupation du sol, caractéristiques des formations géologiques quaternaires et de socle, recharge annuelle moyenne, profondeur de la nappe, répartition des sols, topographie) dans la méthodologie DRASTIC offre un outil efficace pour délimiter les secteurs vulnérables au sel dans les zones de puits de production d’eau potable, aider à la mise en œuvre de pratiques de gestion adéquates pour l’application du sel de déneigement en milieu urbain. Cette étude présente une méthodologie basée sur un SIG pour la réalisation d’une analyse de vulnérabilité de 12 forages municipaux d’alimentation en eau potable, dans le périmètre de la ville de Guelph, Ontario, Canada. La valeur d’intensité d’application des chlorures (CAD) pour chaque puits d’alimentation est calculée puis comparée aux concentrations en chlorures mesurées dans les eaux souterraines; celle-ci est ensuite combinée avec les propriétés du sol et des zones non saturée et saturée de l’aquifère utilisées dans DRASTIC. Cette approche combinée CAD-DRASTIC est plus précise que les méthodes existantes de cartographie de la vulnérabilité des...
Mansour Salek; Jana Levison; Beth Parker; Bahram Gharabaghi. CAD-DRASTIC: chloride application density combined with DRASTIC for assessing groundwater vulnerability to road salt application. Hydrogeology Journal 2018, 26, 2379 -2393.
AMA StyleMansour Salek, Jana Levison, Beth Parker, Bahram Gharabaghi. CAD-DRASTIC: chloride application density combined with DRASTIC for assessing groundwater vulnerability to road salt application. Hydrogeology Journal. 2018; 26 (7):2379-2393.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMansour Salek; Jana Levison; Beth Parker; Bahram Gharabaghi. 2018. "CAD-DRASTIC: chloride application density combined with DRASTIC for assessing groundwater vulnerability to road salt application." Hydrogeology Journal 26, no. 7: 2379-2393.
Elisha Persaud; Jana Levison; Peeter Pehme; Kentner Novakowski; Beth Parker. Cross-hole fracture connectivity assessed using hydraulic responses during liner installations in crystalline bedrock boreholes. Journal of Hydrology 2018, 556, 233 -246.
AMA StyleElisha Persaud, Jana Levison, Peeter Pehme, Kentner Novakowski, Beth Parker. Cross-hole fracture connectivity assessed using hydraulic responses during liner installations in crystalline bedrock boreholes. Journal of Hydrology. 2018; 556 ():233-246.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElisha Persaud; Jana Levison; Peeter Pehme; Kentner Novakowski; Beth Parker. 2018. "Cross-hole fracture connectivity assessed using hydraulic responses during liner installations in crystalline bedrock boreholes." Journal of Hydrology 556, no. : 233-246.
Marie Larocque; Vincent Cloutier; Jana Levison; Eric Rosa. Results from the Quebec Groundwater Knowledge Acquisition Program. Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques 2017, 43, 69 -74.
AMA StyleMarie Larocque, Vincent Cloutier, Jana Levison, Eric Rosa. Results from the Quebec Groundwater Knowledge Acquisition Program. Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques. 2017; 43 (2):69-74.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarie Larocque; Vincent Cloutier; Jana Levison; Eric Rosa. 2017. "Results from the Quebec Groundwater Knowledge Acquisition Program." Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques 43, no. 2: 69-74.
Optical sensors are promising for collecting high resolution in-well groundwater nitrate monitoring data. Traditional well purging methods are labor intensive, can disturb ambient conditions and yield an unknown blend of groundwater in the samples collected, and obtain samples at a limited temporal resolution (i.e., monthly or seasonally). This study evaluated the Submersible Ultraviolet Nitrate Analyzer (SUNA) for in-well nitrate monitoring through new applications in shallow overburden and fractured bedrock environments. Results indicated that SUNA nitrate-N concentration measurements during flow cell testing were strongly correlated (R 2 = 0.99) to purged sample concentrations. Vertical profiling of the water column identified distinct zones having different nitrate-N concentrations in conventional long-screened overburden wells and open bedrock boreholes. Real-time remote monitoring revealed dynamic responses in nitrate-N concentrations following recharge events. The monitoring platform significantly reduced labor requirements for the large amount of data produced. Practitioners should consider using optical sensors for real-time monitoring if nitrate concentrations are expected to change rapidly, or if a site's physical constraints make traditional sampling programs challenging. This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying the SUNA in shallow overburden and fractured bedrock environments to obtain reliable data, identifies operational challenges encountered, and discusses the range of insights available to groundwater professionals so they will seek to gather high resolution in-well monitoring data wherever possible.
Graeme Macdonald; Jana Levison; Beth Parker. On Methods for In-Well Nitrate Monitoring Using Optical Sensors. Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation 2017, 37, 60 -70.
AMA StyleGraeme Macdonald, Jana Levison, Beth Parker. On Methods for In-Well Nitrate Monitoring Using Optical Sensors. Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation. 2017; 37 (4):60-70.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGraeme Macdonald; Jana Levison; Beth Parker. 2017. "On Methods for In-Well Nitrate Monitoring Using Optical Sensors." Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation 37, no. 4: 60-70.
Amidst changing climates, understanding the world’s water resources is of increasing importance. In Ontario, Canada, low water conditions are currently assessed using only precipitation and watershed-based stream gauges by the Conservation Authorities in Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Regional groundwater-storage changes in Ontario are not currently measured using satellite data by research institutes. In this study, contributions from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data are compared to a hydrogeological database covering southern Ontario from 2003 to 2013, to determine the suitability of GRACE total water storage estimates for monitoring groundwater storage in this location. Terrestrial water storage data from GRACE were used to determine monthly groundwater storage (GWS) anomaly values. GWS values were also determined by multiplying groundwater-level elevations (from the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network wells) by specific yield. Comparisons of GRACE-derived GWS to well-based GWS data determined that GRACE is sufficiently sensitive to obtain a meaningful signal in southern Ontario. Results show that GWS values produced by GRACE are useful for identifying regional changes in groundwater storage in areas with limited available hydrogeological characterization data. Results also indicate that GRACE may have an ability to forecast changes in groundwater storage, which will become useful when monitoring climate shifts in the near future. Dans un contexte de changement climatique, comprendre les ressources en eau à l’échelle du monde revêt une importance croissante. Dans l’Ontario, au Canada, les conditions d’étiage sont évaluées couramment en utilisant seulement les précipitations et les stations de jaugeage des bassins versants par les autorités de conservation de l’Ontario et par le ministère des Ressources Naturelles et des Forêts. Les changements régionaux de stockage des eaux souterraines en Ontario ne sont pas mesurés actuellement en utilisant les données satellitaires des instituts de recherche. Dans cette étude, les contributions des données de récupération de la gravité et de l’expérience climatique (GRACE) sont comparées à la base de données hydrogéologiques concernant le sud de l’Ontario pour la période 2003 à 2013, afin de déterminer l’adéquation des estimations de stockage de l’eau total à l’aide de GRACE pour la surveillance du stockage des eaux souterraines dans ce secteur. Les données de stockage d’eau terrestre de GRACE ont été utilisées pour déterminer les valeurs d’anomalie mensuelle des eaux souterraines stockées (GWS). Les valeurs de GWS ont été également déterminées en multipliant les élévations du niveau d’eau souterraine (des points d’eau du réseau piézométrique provincial) par le rendement spécifique. Les comparaisons des GWS dérivées de GRACE aux données de GWS déterminées sur les points d’eau ont permis de montrer que GRACE est. suffisamment sensible pour obtenir un signal significatif dans le sud de l’Ontario. Les résultats indiquent que les valeurs de GWS produites par GRACE sont utiles pour identifier les changements régionaux dans le stockage des eaux souterraines dans les zones avec des données de caractérisation hydrogéologique disponibles limitées. Les résultats indiquent également que GRACE peut avoir la capacité de prévoir les changements dans le stockage des eaux souterraines qui deviendront utiles lors des changements climatiques dans un proche avenir. En medio de los cambios climáticos, la comprensión de los recursos hídricos del mundo es cada vez más importante. En Ontario, Canadá, las condiciones de escasez de agua se evalúan actualmente utilizando sólo la precipitación y las mediciones de caudales en cuencas hidrográficas por parte de Conservation Authorities of Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Los cambios regionales en el almacenamiento de agua subterránea en Ontario no se miden actualmente utilizando datos satelitales por parte los institutos de investigación. En este estudio se comparan las contribuciones de los datos de Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) con una base de datos hidrogeológicos del período 2003–2013 que cubren el sur de Ontario para determinar la idoneidad de las estimaciones de almacenamiento total de agua a partir de GRACE con el monitoreo del almacenamiento de agua subterránea en este lugar. Los datos de almacenamiento de agua terrestre de GRACE se utilizaron para determinar los valores mensuales de anomalías de almacenamiento de agua subterránea (GWS). Los valores de GWS también se determinaron multiplicando las elevaciones del nivel de agua subterránea (de los pozos de la Red de Monitoreo de Agua Subterránea Provincial) por el rendimiento específico. Las comparaciones de GWS derivado de GRACE con los datos de GWS basados en pozos determinaron que GRACE es suficientemente sensible para obtener una señal significativa en el sur de Ontario. Los resultados muestran que los valores de GWS producidos por GRACE son útiles para identificar los cambios regionales en el almacenamiento de agua subterránea en áreas con limitados datos disponibles de la caracterización hidrogeológica. Los resultados también indican que GRACE puede tener la capacidad de pronosticar cambios en el almacenamiento de agua subterránea que serán útiles al monitorear cambios climáticos en un futuro cercano....
Ellen Hachborn; Aaron Berg; Jana Levison; Jaison Thomas Ambadan. Sensitivity of GRACE-derived estimates of groundwater-level changes in southern Ontario, Canada. Hydrogeology Journal 2017, 25, 2391 -2402.
AMA StyleEllen Hachborn, Aaron Berg, Jana Levison, Jaison Thomas Ambadan. Sensitivity of GRACE-derived estimates of groundwater-level changes in southern Ontario, Canada. Hydrogeology Journal. 2017; 25 (8):2391-2402.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEllen Hachborn; Aaron Berg; Jana Levison; Jaison Thomas Ambadan. 2017. "Sensitivity of GRACE-derived estimates of groundwater-level changes in southern Ontario, Canada." Hydrogeology Journal 25, no. 8: 2391-2402.
De-icing agents containing chloride ions used for winter road maintenance have the potential to negatively impact groundwater resources for drinking water supplies. A novel methodology using commonly-available geospatial data (land use, well head protection areas) and public accessible data (salt application rates, hydrometric data) to identify salt vulnerable areas (SVAs) for groundwater wells is developed to prioritize implementation of better management practices for road salt applications. The approach uses simple mass‐balance terms to collect chloride input from 3 pathways: surface runoff, shallow interflow and baseflow. A risk score is calculated, which depends on the land use within the respective municipal supply well protection area. Therefore, it is plausible to avoid costly and extensive numerical modeling (which also would bear many assumptions, simplifications and uncertainties). The method is applied to perform a vulnerability assessment on twenty municipal water supply wells in the Grand River watershed, Ontario, Canada. The calculated steady-state groundwater recharge chloride concentration for the supply wells is strongly correlated to the measured transient groundwater chloride concentrations in the case study evaluation, with an R2 = 0.84. The new method provides a simple, robust, and practical method for municipalities to assess the long-term risk of chloride contamination of municipal supply wells due to road salt application.
Andrew Betts; Bahram Gharabaghi; Ed McBean; Jana Levison; Beth Parker. Salt vulnerability assessment methodology for municipal supply wells. Journal of Hydrology 2015, 531, 523 -533.
AMA StyleAndrew Betts, Bahram Gharabaghi, Ed McBean, Jana Levison, Beth Parker. Salt vulnerability assessment methodology for municipal supply wells. Journal of Hydrology. 2015; 531 ():523-533.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrew Betts; Bahram Gharabaghi; Ed McBean; Jana Levison; Beth Parker. 2015. "Salt vulnerability assessment methodology for municipal supply wells." Journal of Hydrology 531, no. : 523-533.
Hybrid modelling provides a unique opportunity to study cross-scale relationships in environmental systems by linking together models of global, regional, landscape, and local-scale processes, yet the approach is rarely applied to address conservation and management questions. Here, we demonstrate how a hybrid modelling approach can be used to assess the effect of cross-scale interactions on the survival of the Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) in response to changes in temperature and water availability induced by climate change at the northern limits of its distribution. To do so, we combine regional climate modelling with a landscape-scale integrated surface-groundwater flow model and an individual-based model of stream salamanders. On average, climate scenarios depict a warmer and wetter environment for the 2050 horizon. The increase in average annual temperature and extended hydrological activity time series in the future, combined with a better synchronization with the salamanders’ reproduction period, result in a significant increase in the long-term population viability of the salamanders. This indicates that climate change may not necessarily limit the survivability of small, stream-dwelling animals in headwater basins located in cold and humid regions. This new knowledge suggests that habitat conservation initiatives for amphibians with large latitudinal distributions in Eastern North America should be prioritized at the northern limits of their ranges to facilitate species migration and persistence in the face of climate change. This example demonstrates how hybrid models can serve as powerful tools for informing management and conservation decisions.
Philippe Girard; Jana Levison; Lael Parrott; Marie Larocque; Marie-Audray Ouellet; David M. Green. Modeling cross-scale relationships between climate, hydrology, and individual animals: generating scenarios for stream salamanders. Frontiers in Environmental Science 2015, 3, 1 .
AMA StylePhilippe Girard, Jana Levison, Lael Parrott, Marie Larocque, Marie-Audray Ouellet, David M. Green. Modeling cross-scale relationships between climate, hydrology, and individual animals: generating scenarios for stream salamanders. Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2015; 3 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StylePhilippe Girard; Jana Levison; Lael Parrott; Marie Larocque; Marie-Audray Ouellet; David M. Green. 2015. "Modeling cross-scale relationships between climate, hydrology, and individual animals: generating scenarios for stream salamanders." Frontiers in Environmental Science 3, no. : 1.
In the context of climate change, it is important to understand possible future projections and historical trends of groundwater recharge, flow, and discharge to surface reservoirs. Knowledge of a vast range of possible conditions is required to fully appreciate the variability of the hydrologic cycle and hence the long-term vulnerability of groundwater-dependent habitats. This research investigates historical trends for a groundwater–surface water interacting system that supports a fragile ecosystem in southern Quebec. A transient model was developed using MODFLOW to simulate site-wide groundwater flow for the study area. The model was used to simulate past hydrogeological conditions (1900–2010) using a new data set of available precipitation (rain and snowmelt) and temperature. This data set was used to simulate the overall groundwater budget and to determine groundwater discharge (river baseflow and spring flow) in the study area. This allows for the quantification of century-long trends in flow data, as well as the extreme maximum and minimum flows over 110 years. Recharge was variable, ranging from 41 to 197 mm/year over the study period. Lower recharge rates from 1950 to 1965 induced marked effects on spring flow. Although the trend is not statistically significant, there appears to be, for the second half of the study period (1966–2010), a tendency towards a reversal to an increase for recharge, hydraulic heads, spring flow and baseflows. A longer time series would be necessary to confirm this tendency. The simulated historical trends are compared with flow projections for future scenarios (2041–2070). The confirmation that the natural system has been subjected to a wide range of climatic conditions over the last century helps to inform about its resilience. This study highlights the utility of groundwater flow modeling using historical climate data sets to gain a better understanding of long-term trends for climate change-related hydrogeological and ecohydrological studies.
Jana Levison; Marie Larocque; Marie-Audray Ouellet; Olivier Ferland; Charles Poirier. Long-term trends in groundwater recharge and discharge in a fractured bedrock aquifer – past and future conditions. Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques 2015, 41, 500 -514.
AMA StyleJana Levison, Marie Larocque, Marie-Audray Ouellet, Olivier Ferland, Charles Poirier. Long-term trends in groundwater recharge and discharge in a fractured bedrock aquifer – past and future conditions. Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques. 2015; 41 (4):500-514.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJana Levison; Marie Larocque; Marie-Audray Ouellet; Olivier Ferland; Charles Poirier. 2015. "Long-term trends in groundwater recharge and discharge in a fractured bedrock aquifer – past and future conditions." Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques 41, no. 4: 500-514.
Large irrigation water withdraws are required where increasing development demands agricultural expansion. In many jurisdictions there is little documentation of agricultural water use, especially groundwater abstraction. Although primarily employed at a national scale, the concept of virtual water is used to calculate regional water-use. The main objective is to analyze watershed-scale crop-specific water consumption to identify local stresses and affected water systems. The 398 km2 quaternary watershed of Whitemans Creek in Ontario, Canada, is evaluated using an approach that can be applied to other locations using often-available data. Virtual water (VW) of major field crops is calculated for 1983, 2011 and 2012, using methods outlined in the FAO and Drainage Paper No. 56. The blue and green VW components are identified. Blue water is specified as ground or surface water, and green water as available soil water. Water consumption results are compared with the regional water budget. For 2011, green and blue VW requirements were 3,540 and 157 L/s, respectively. The blue water, over 80 % sourced from groundwater, was comparable to the 151 L/s agricultural water consumption estimate from the local water budget using general extraction coefficients. With agriculture in the subwatershed using 95 % of the daily permitted blue water takings, identifying high water consumers and their withdrawal sources is important for land-use and water conservation planning. The VW calculations, using real climate data and crop inventory, provide field-scale information that can be applied as alternatives to general crop extraction coefficients.
Geneva Starr; Jana Levison. Identification of Crop Groundwater and Surface Water Consumption Using Blue and Green Virtual Water Contents at a Subwatershed Scale. Environmental Processes 2014, 1, 497 -515.
AMA StyleGeneva Starr, Jana Levison. Identification of Crop Groundwater and Surface Water Consumption Using Blue and Green Virtual Water Contents at a Subwatershed Scale. Environmental Processes. 2014; 1 (4):497-515.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeneva Starr; Jana Levison. 2014. "Identification of Crop Groundwater and Surface Water Consumption Using Blue and Green Virtual Water Contents at a Subwatershed Scale." Environmental Processes 1, no. 4: 497-515.
Groundwater discharge areas, including low-flow bedrock aquifer springs, are ecologically important and can be impacted by climate change. The development of and results from a groundwater modeling study simulating fractured bedrock spring flow are presented. This was conducted to produce hydrological data for an ecohydrological study of an endangered species, Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus ochrophaeus), in southern Quebec, Canada. The groundwater modeling approach in terms of scale and complexity was strongly driven by the need to produce hydrological data for the related ecohydrological modeling. Flows at four springs at different elevations were simulated for recent past conditions (2006–2010) and for reference (1971–2000) and future (2041–2070) periods using precipitation and temperature data from ten climate scenarios. Statistical analyses of spring flow parameters including activity periods and duration of flow were conducted. Flow rates for the four simulated springs, located at different elevations, are predicted to increase between 2% and 46% and will be active (flowing) 1–2% longer in the future. A significant change (predominantly an increase) looking at the seasonality of the number of active days occurs in the winter (2–4.9%) and spring seasons (−0.6–6.5%). Greatest flow rates were produced from springs at elevations where sub-horizontal fractures intersect the ground surface. These results suggest an intensification of the spring activity at the study site in context of climate change by 2050, which provides a positive habitat outlook for the endangered salamanders residing in the springs for the future
Jana Levison; Marie Larocque; M.A. Ouellet. Modeling low-flow bedrock springs providing ecological habitats with climate change scenarios. Journal of Hydrology 2014, 515, 16 -28.
AMA StyleJana Levison, Marie Larocque, M.A. Ouellet. Modeling low-flow bedrock springs providing ecological habitats with climate change scenarios. Journal of Hydrology. 2014; 515 ():16-28.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJana Levison; Marie Larocque; M.A. Ouellet. 2014. "Modeling low-flow bedrock springs providing ecological habitats with climate change scenarios." Journal of Hydrology 515, no. : 16-28.
Interactions between headwater aquifers and peatlands have received limited scientific attention. Hydrological stresses, including those related to climate change, may adversely impact these interactions. In this study, the dynamics of a southern Québec headwater system where a peatland is present is simulated under current conditions and with climate change. The model is calibrated in steady state on field-measured data and provides satisfactory results for transient-state conditions. Under current conditions, simulations confirm that the peatland is fed by the fractured bedrock aquifer year-round and provides continuous baseflow to its outlets. Climate change is simulated through its impact on groundwater recharge. Predicted precipitation and temperature data from a suite of regional climate model scenarios provide a net precipitation variation range from +10% to −30% for the 2041–2070 horizon. Calibrated recharge is modified within this range to perform a sensitivity analysis of the headwater model to recharge variations (+10%, −15% and −30%). Total contribution from the aquifer to rivers and streams varies from +14% to −44% of the baseline for +10% to −30% recharge changes from spring 2010 data, for example. With higher recharge, the peatland receives more groundwater, which could significantly change its vegetation pattern and eventually ecosystem functions. For a −30% recharge, the peatland becomes perched above the aquifer during the summer, fall and winter. Recharge reductions also induce sharp declines in groundwater levels and drying streams
Jana Levison; Marie Larocque; Valerie Fournier; Stephane M Gagne; Stephanie Pellerin; M.A. Ouellet. Dynamics of a headwater system and peatland under current conditions and with climate change. Hydrological Processes 2013, 28, 4808 -4822.
AMA StyleJana Levison, Marie Larocque, Valerie Fournier, Stephane M Gagne, Stephanie Pellerin, M.A. Ouellet. Dynamics of a headwater system and peatland under current conditions and with climate change. Hydrological Processes. 2013; 28 (17):4808-4822.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJana Levison; Marie Larocque; Valerie Fournier; Stephane M Gagne; Stephanie Pellerin; M.A. Ouellet. 2013. "Dynamics of a headwater system and peatland under current conditions and with climate change." Hydrological Processes 28, no. 17: 4808-4822.
A unique infiltration tracer experiment was performed whereby a fluorescent dye was applied to the land surface in an agricultural field, near Perth, Ontario, Canada, to simulate the transport of solutes to two pumped monitoring wells drilled into the granitic gneiss aquifer. This experiment, interpreted using the discrete-fracture capability of the numerical model HydroGeoSphere, showed that solute transport from the surface through thin soil (less than 2m) to wells in fractured bedrock can be extremely rapid (on the order of hours). Also, it was demonstrated that maximum concentrations of contaminants originating from the ground surface will not necessarily be the highest in the shallow aquifer horizon. These are important considerations for both private and government-owned drinking water systems that draw water from shallow fractured bedrock aquifers. This research illustrates the extreme importance of protecting drinking water at the source.
Jana K. Levison; Kent S. Novakowski. Rapid transport from the surface to wells in fractured rock: A unique infiltration tracer experiment. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 2012, 131, 29 -38.
AMA StyleJana K. Levison, Kent S. Novakowski. Rapid transport from the surface to wells in fractured rock: A unique infiltration tracer experiment. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology. 2012; 131 (1):29-38.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJana K. Levison; Kent S. Novakowski. 2012. "Rapid transport from the surface to wells in fractured rock: A unique infiltration tracer experiment." Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 131, no. 1: 29-38.
It is necessary to understand the presence, movement, and persistence of contaminants in aquifers to develop adequate groundwater protection plans. Fractured bedrock aquifers with thin overburden cover are very sensitive to contamination, and little is known about transport processes from the ground surface to depth in this setting. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of groundwater contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are flame retardants, in a natural fractured bedrock aquifer in Canada proven to be sensitive to contamination. PBDEs, which had not been previously measured in groundwater in detail, were detected in the study aquifer at concentrations greater than those observed in surface-water bodies. Potential sources include manure, septic tanks, and the atmosphere. From this scoping study, it is evident that additional surveys of PBDE concentrations in groundwater are warranted, especially in settings with high potential source concentrations coupled with sensitive aquifers. Il est nécessaire de comprendre la présence, les mouvements et la persistance des polluants dans les aquifères afin de développer des plans de protection adaptés à la protection des eaux souterraines. Les aquifères d’un socle fracturé recouvert d’une couverture peu épaisse sont très sensibles à la pollution et on sait peu sur les processus de transfert de la surface du sol vers la profondeur dans cette configuration. On a entrepris cette étude pour reconnaître le degré de pollution par des polybromodiphényl éthers (PBDE) retardateurs de flamme d’un aquifère du socle fracturé naturellement reconnu comme vulnérable à la pollution au Canada. Les PBDE, qui n’avaient pas été précédemment dosés de façon précise dans la nappe, ont été détectés dans l’aquifère objet de l’étude à des concentrations supérieures à celles observées dans les eaux de surface. Les sources potentielles incluent les engrais, les fosses septiques et l’atmosphère. Suivant cette étude cadre, il est évident que des campagnes complémentaires de mesure des concentrations de PBDE dans l’eau souterraine sont justifiées, particulièrement dans des configurations où de hautes concentrations de sources potentielles sont couplées avec des aquifères vulnérables. Es necesario entender la presencia, movimiento y persistencia de los contaminantes en los acuíferos para desarrollar planes de protección adecuados de las aguas subterráneas. Los acuíferos en rocas de basamento fracturado con una delgada cubierta son muy sensibles a la contaminación, y poco es conocido acerca de los procesos de transporte desde la superficie del terreno a la profundidad en esta configuración. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para investigar el potencial de la contaminación de agua subterránea por polibromodifeniléteres (PBDEs), que son retardantes del fuego, en un acuífero de basamento fracturado natural en Canadá que se conoce como sensible a la contaminación. Los PBDEs, que no habían sido previamente medidos detalladamente en el agua subterránea, fueron detectados en el estudio del acuífero en concentraciones mayores que aquellas observadas en los cuerpos de agua superficial. Las fuentes potenciales incluyen estiércol, tanques sépticos, y la atmósfera. A partir este estudio observacional, es evidente que mediciones adicionales de concentraciones de PBDE en aguas subterráneas están justificadas, especialmente en configuraciones con fuentes potenciales de altas concentraciones acopladas con acuíferos sensibles. 为发展适宜的地下水保护计划, 理解含水层中污染物的存在、运移及持久性是必要的。具有薄层表土层的裂隙基岩含水层对污染及其敏感, 但对此背景下从地表面到深部的运移过程了解较少。本文利用多溴二苯醚 (PBDEs)调查地下水污染的可能性, PBDEs是一种阻燃剂, 在加拿大天然裂隙基岩含水层中被证明对污染物是敏感的。PBDEs在之前的地下水中没有具体的监测过, 在研究区含水层中观测到的浓度大于在地表水体中观测到的。可能的污染源包括粪肥、化粪池以及大气。从本次范围界定研究中明白对于地下水中PBDE浓度的额外调查是有保证的, 尤其是在高可能污染源浓度以及敏感含水层背景下。 É necessário perceber a presença, o movimento e a persistência de contaminantes em aquíferos de forma a desenvolver planos adequados de proteção das águas subterrâneas. Aquíferos fraturados com uma pequena espessura de recobrimento são muito sensíveis à contaminação e neste cenário pouco se sabe sobre os processos de transporte a partir da superfície até ao meio subterrâneo. Este estudo foi realizado para investigar o potencial de contaminação das águas subterrâneas por difenil éteres polibromados (PBDEs), que são retardantes de chama, num aquífero fraturado no Canadá o qual provou ser sensível à contaminação. PBDEs, que não tinham previamente sido medidos com detalhe nas águas subterrâneas, foram detetados no estudo do aquífero em concentrações superiores às observadas nas massas de água superficial. As fontes potenciais incluem o estrume, fossas séticas, e a atmosfera. Com base no âmbito deste estudo, é evidente que estão justificadas pesquisas adicionais das concentrações de PBDEs nas águas subterrâneas, especialmente em ambientes com fontes potenciais com altas concentrações associadas aquíferos sensíveis.
Jana Levison; Kent Novakowski; Eric Reiner; Terry Kolic. Potential of groundwater contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a sensitive bedrock aquifer (Canada). Hydrogeology Journal 2012, 20, 401 -412.
AMA StyleJana Levison, Kent Novakowski, Eric Reiner, Terry Kolic. Potential of groundwater contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a sensitive bedrock aquifer (Canada). Hydrogeology Journal. 2012; 20 (2):401-412.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJana Levison; Kent Novakowski; Eric Reiner; Terry Kolic. 2012. "Potential of groundwater contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a sensitive bedrock aquifer (Canada)." Hydrogeology Journal 20, no. 2: 401-412.