High-temporal resolution fluvial sediment source fingerprinting with uncertainty: a Bayesian approach

Cooper, Richard J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4518-5761, Krueger, Tobias, Hiscock, Kevin M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4505-1496 and Rawlins, Barry G. (2015) High-temporal resolution fluvial sediment source fingerprinting with uncertainty: a Bayesian approach. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 40 (1). pp. 78-92. ISSN 0197-9337

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Abstract

This contribution addresses two developing areas of sediment fingerprinting research. Specifically, how to improve the temporal resolution of source apportionment estimates whilst minimizing analytical costs and, secondly, how to consistently quantify all perceived uncertainties associated with the sediment mixing model procedure. This first matter is tackled by using direct X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRFS) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analyses of suspended particulate matter (SPM) covered filter papers in conjunction with automatic water samplers. This method enables SPM geochemistry to be quickly, accurately, inexpensively and non-destructively monitored at high-temporal resolution throughout the progression of numerous precipitation events. We then employed a Bayesian mixing model procedure to provide full characterization of spatial geochemical variability, instrument precision and residual error to yield a realistic and coherent assessment of the uncertainties associated with source apportionment estimates. Applying these methods to SPM data from the River Wensum catchment, UK, we have been able to apportion, with uncertainty, sediment contributions from eroding arable topsoils, damaged road verges and combined subsurface channel bank and agricultural field drain sources at 60- and 120-minute resolution for the duration of five precipitation events. The results presented here demonstrate how combining Bayesian mixing models with the direct spectroscopic analysis of SPM-covered filter papers can produce high-temporal resolution source apportionment estimates that can assist with the appropriate targeting of sediment pollution mitigation measures at a catchment level.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2015 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	fingerprinting,bayesian mixing model,uncertainty,x-ray fluorescence,filter papers
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Water Security Research Centre Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Geosciences
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	23 Sep 2014 14:08
Last Modified:	18 Oct 2024 23:40
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/50196
DOI:	10.1002/esp.3621

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