MANAGING AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION USING A LINKED GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION-SYSTEM AND NONPOINT-SOURCE POLLUTION MODEL

This study documents the development of a link between a geographical information system (GIS) and a non-point source pollution model. The G IS ARC/INFO was linked to the agricultural non-point source pollution model and ORACLE data sources. Application of the system is demonstrat ed using the Bedford-Ouse catchment as a suitable case study. Water qu ality impacts are predicted from source data describing topography, so ils, land use and river network. The model results were in agreement w ith observed nitrate concentrations at the catchment outlet, and more appropriate data sources are considered to be the main priority for im proving model predictive ability. Management scenarios were establishe d to assess the impact of changing agricultural management practices o n predicted water quality. The approach has significant potential for the management of agricultural pollution in the UK.