Summary
Withers, Rothwell and Ross present a methodological approach linking sector flow analysis outputs to measured river phosphorus data as a tool for evaluating catchment-scale water quality management. The authors propose this framework as a complimentary, internationally applicable approach for establishing and evidencing effective sector-specific mitigation targets and policies. Further testing across multiple catchments is recommended to validate the methodology's wider applicability.
UK applicability
This methodology is directly applicable to United Kingdom catchment management and water policy, particularly under Water Framework Directive implementation and agricultural nutrient management regulations. The approach could strengthen evidence-based policy design for phosphorus mitigation across UK farming sectors.
Key measures
River phosphorus concentrations, sector phosphorus flow analysis (SFA) outputs, catchment-scale phosphorus input pressures, mitigation effectiveness
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated phosphorus input pressures and their relationship to river phosphorus concentrations using sector flow analysis (SFA) linked to measured water quality data. The research demonstrated a methodology for evidencing effective sector-specific mitigation targets and policies at the catchment scale.
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