Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
should be executed in a phased manner. The data collection processes, based on regular
monitoring programs, and any additional information from specific research projects, in
addition to the creation of GIS systems, would be the first phase of this process. At later
stages, the accumulated information could be incorporated in higher hierarchy models,
describing the pollution transport and conversion mechanisms in an integrated manner at
larger catchment characteristics, which would allow the estimation of assimilative
capacities of natural water resources, the allocation of possible pollution loads and the
simulation of different scenarios. This could help in the revision and upgrading of
existing regulatory documents in a systematic and cycled manner.
It has been emphasized that water quality standards and regulatory documents are site
and country specific. This statement refers to the different conditions, which would
determine different criteria in terms of parameters and permissible limit values. However,
regulatory instruments should also incorporate indications with respect to the
methodology of the monitoring process, laboratory testing procedures, data handling and
interpretation analysis, etc. In this respect, an integrated regional approach is very
important and could help to boost the process of the practical implementation of the water
quality objective approach. The preparation of regional guidelines, to support the national
and local ones, could help in the following directions:
• It would provide a basis for the comparison of the data obtained in different localities
and would enhancethe investigation of trends and variations in the region;
• It would enhance the application of compatible tools for data handling and analysis;
• It would provide a foundation for quality assurance and would increase the level of
reliability andaccuracy of the process;
• It would provide a common basis for data interpretation and pollution
assessment/evaluation, whichcould help solve trans-boundary problems related to a
sustainable water resources use.
4 INTEGRATING RESULTS FROM URBAN DIFFUSE POLLUTION
ASSESSMENTS
Previous chapters present different case studies, related to the assessment of the impacts
of urban diffuse pollution sources on runoff and natural surface/ground water quality.
The reader should have noticed that selected cases have been studied but they are not
sufficient for a fully integrated assessment at a catchment level. This fact reflects the
current capacity in the study area, in terms of available laboratory facilities, transport,
manpower, data availability, regulatory documents, as well as the time and financial
constraints of each specific project. It was mentioned that a fully integrated assessment
could be done, based on a comprehensive monitoring program and the introduction of
contemporary tools for data handling, analysis, evaluation and assessment. It is expected
that in future, the data presented in previous chapters could be incorporated and enhance
such a type of analysis and evaluation. The following part of this section aims at a partial
integration of results presented in the different chapters and points out directions for
future development.
