Global multi-pollutant modelling of water quality: scientific challenges and future directions

Maryna Strokal, J. Emiel Spanier, Carolien Kroeze, Albert A. Koelmans, Martina Flörke, Wietse Franssen, Nynke Hofstra, Simon Langan, Ting Tang, Michelle TH van Vliet, Yoshihide Wada, Mengru Wang, Jikke van Wijnen, Richard Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Scopus citations

Abstract

Assessing global water quality issues requires a multi-pollutant modelling approach. We discuss scientific challenges and future directions for such modeling. Multi-pollutant river models need to integrate information on sources of pollutants such as plastic debris, nutrients, chemicals, pathogens, their effects and possible solutions. In this paper, we first explain what we consider multi-pollutant modelling. Second, we discuss scientific challenges in multi-pollutant modelling relating to consistent model inputs, modelling approaches and model evaluation. Next, we illustrate the potential of global multi-pollutant modelling for hotspot analyses. We show hotspots of river pollution with microplastics, nutrients, triclosan and Cryptosporidium in many sub-basins of Europe, North America and South Asia. Finally, we reflect on future directions for multi-pollutant modelling, and for linking model results to policy-making.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)116-125
Number of pages10
JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability
Volume36
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science
  • General Social Sciences

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