Modelling in-river phosphorous concentration using remote sensing and GIS G. Maucha & G. Büttner

One of the most significant pollutants in rivers is phosphorus. It is derived into surface waters from both point and non-point sources. For this study, phosphorus transport into the Zagyva river catchment in Hungary has been modelled over a two year period with monthly time step using a raster GIS technology. The model consisted of two main parts: the hydrological submodel which predicts river discharge and the phosphorus load submodel which yields phosphorus concentration along any point of the river network. We found that the agreement of the modelled parameters (e.g. discharge and concentration) as compared to the measured data was acceptable. Phosphorus loading into the environment and the actual evapotranspiration depends on land cover. The most accurate means of mapping land cover is by means of satellite images and so remote sensing has a key role to play in setting up such complex environmental models.