LIFE Project Number LIFE12 ENV/FI/597 Progress Report Covering the project activities from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015 Reporting Date 31/03/2016 Reduction of wastewater nutrient load: demonstrations and modelling N-SINK Data Project Project location Hämeenlinna, Finland Project start date: 01/08/2013 Project end date: 31/07/2017 Total budget 1 118 260€ EC contribution: 594 130€ (%) of eligible costs 50% Data Beneficiary Name Beneficiary University of Helsinki, Lammi Biological Station Contact person Mr Jussi Huotari Postal address Pääjärventie 320, FI-16900 Lammi, FINLAND Telephone +358 50 415 4405 Fax: Fax: +358 2941 40746 E-mail [email protected]Project Website http://www.helsinki.fi/lammi/NSINK/
Transcript
LIFE Project Number
LIFE12 ENV/FI/597
Progress Report Covering the project activities from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015
Reporting Date
31/03/2016
Reduction of wastewater nutrient load: demonstrations and modelling
N-SINK
Data Project
Project location Hämeenlinna, Finland
Project start date: 01/08/2013
Project end date: 31/07/2017
Total budget 1 118 260€
EC contribution: 594 130€
(%) of eligible costs 50%
Data Beneficiary
Name Beneficiary University of Helsinki, Lammi Biological Station
Contact person Mr Jussi Huotari
Postal address Pääjärventie 320, FI-16900 Lammi, FINLAND
approach could not be used due to high concentration of suspended solids in the
water, which clogged the tubing resulting inaccurate flow rate control crucial to
the approach. The demonstration was implemented twice within two week
periods in 2015, but the third and last period had to be postponed until spring
2016 due to problems in nitrification processes in Paroinen WWTP. This is not
be causing delays to related actions but the results can be applied as soon they are
attained. Land owners in Keuruu and Paroinen were informed of the
demonstrations, and the public opinion supported the actions.
With support by FIWA, a student of Häme University of Applied Sciences
conducted, as a practical part of a thesis, a factorial experiment on response of
denitrification rate on temperature by using treated waste water from Paroinen
WWTP and sediment from Rautamonoja mouth. Results of this experiment will
support our determination of overall denitrification in front of Rautamonoja
mouth in Lake Vanajavesi.
In spring 2015 we included another approach in our demonstration varieties as
Sari Uusheimo (Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation stipendiate) started to study
denitrification activity of the post settling pond at Lammi WWTP. Since March
2015 water quality of inlet and outlet of the pond has been sampled in 3-4 week
interval and denitrification activity has been measured three times in the pond by 15NO3 labelling and IPT-method. Sampling will last until spring 2016 to
complete a full year. Preliminary results indicate retention of >20% of total P and
60% of total N in the pond between March and December, denitrification being
responsible of about 10% of the N retention during open water period.
Progress report LIFE+ 7
ACTION B.2. Long term and model demonstrations of catchment scale N
retention
Demonstration of long term changes in the water quality due to the protection
actions in heavily loaded river basins in southern Finland. Development of
scenarios of nutrient purification in waste water treatment and in agricultural
production to mitigate nutrient losses to waters and air.
B.2.1. Empirical analysis of lake water quality in the Vanajavesi drainage basin
In this task, we analyse the reasons for long term changes in water quality of
eight lakes in the Vanajavesi drainage basin. The preliminary results of the
analysis were shown in the Midterm report. In 2015, we planned further
processing and analyses of the data. For that we applied additional funding. The
funding granted allows this work to be carried out in 2016.
B.2.2. Model demonstrations of the N retention
We used the semi-distributed catchment scale N model INCA to analyse in detail
the process rates. The INCA models are distributed, dynamic process-based
models, which can take into account in detail the variability of agricultural
management practices, soil types and point sources (see D3.3 and M7.2). Further,
the INCA model allows also running of agricultural and waste water treatment
scenarios in connection to an economical model. This is also essential for a cost-
effective allocation of abatement measures (see D 7.1). The next step then is to
upscale INCA model scenario results as export coefficients to a larger river basin
by using the river basin scale model WSFS-VEMALA in the Kokemäenjoki
basin (Action C.3).
We selected one sub-basin (Mustajoki) in the Vanajavesi drainage basin and the
whole Porvoonjoki river basin to be modelled by the INCA model. We produced
preliminary model applications to both sub-basins, as well as simulated the effect
of different fertilization levels on the crop yield and nutrient leaching on
agricultural fields, and as effluents from sewage treatments plants as point
sources. In 2015, the calibration was improved by comparing the simulated
denitrification fluxes against measured ones. Further, the simulated vegetation
uptake was calibrated against measured N balances of typical crops. That data
was provided as input to economical optimization model in Action B3 to make
preliminary runs. We established an interactive map tool on the project web-page
to present some of the project results, where the preliminary results of nitrogen
sources in Mustajoki and Porvoonjoki are shown. The preliminary results of the
INCA modelling were presented for stake holders on 2.12.2015 (report annexed,
M 3.4).
The INCA modelling is done by Kirsti Granlund and Katri Rankinen (SYKE).
The modelling work will continue in 2016. We request a new deadline for
Deliverable 3.4, the Final report of model demonstrations (31 May 2016 → 31
April 2017).
Progress report LIFE+ 8
ACTION B.3: Demonstration of spatially cost-effective allocation of nutrient
abatement measures at watershed level
The main purpose of Action B.3 is to address the economic viability of sediment
filtering approach relative to other potential nutrient abatement measures that
could be implemented in Finland to reduce nitrogen loading to lakes and the
Baltic Sea. To this end, this action aims to build a model to analyse cost-
efficiency of different abatement measures numerically, the main attention and
the biggest contribution being on the optimal spatial distribution of abatement
measures.
In the first modelling phase, we only introduced a single potential abatement
measure, reducing inorganic nitrogen fertilization that could be applied in
different sub-catchments of Lake Vanajavesi. After the first model results
introduced in the report “First model results, up-scaling and scenario building”
(M 7.2), we have focused on other abatement measures. In 2015, we included in
the model several additional abatement measures, namely restoring wetlands,
improving the level of wastewater treatment in treatment plants, extending the
coverage of waste water network, and introducing reduced tillage. This work has
been done in close cooperation with other actions, so that the yield function and
leaching parameters are based on the calibrations of INCA-N –model and the
retention parameter, depicting the movement of nutrients in the catchment area,
is based on VEMALA –model. The extended model version is now in operation
and the project is progressing as scheduled. According to preliminary results the
total cost of reducing 100 tons of nitrogen load to Lake Vanajavesi is 380 000
Euros per year. The costs increase substantially if the target is increased: The
cost of reaching the target of 200 tons of nitrogen is 1.2 million Euros annually.
The most cost-efficient abatement measures are reduced tillage and improving
the effectiveness of wastewater treatment plant.
In addition to the modelling work, we carried out an extensive literature review
on the Baltic Sea scale on other models, the set of measures they include, their
results, and the differences between our modelling approach and theirs. In the
next stage, we will consider new abatement measures, including sediment
filtration, to be included to the model and we will extend the results to
Porvoonjoki catchment.
This literature review and the work to introduce these new abatement measures
as a part of the economic model are now ongoing.
Lassi Ahlvik, Heini Toikkanen and Pekka Kinnunen (LUKE) have been
responsible for the economic modelling. Tiina Kituniemi has been the office
secretary of the project, responsible for the financial management at LUKE.
5.1.3. Action C
ACTION C.1: Monitoring the ecosystem effects of sediment filtering in Lake
Keurusselkä
Progress report LIFE+ 9
C.1.1: Monitoring denitrification and DNRA (unfavoured reduction of NO3 to
NH4) rates in the recipient lakes
In Keuruu, sediment samples were taken four times in 2015. In Petäjävesi,
samples were taken two times in 2015 (Table 1). Sanni Aalto (UJ), Anu Karvinen
(UJ; Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation stipendiate), Eveliina Kinnunen (UJ) and
Olli Nousiainen (UJ) were responsible of the field sampling. Sampling was done
from the points described in report “Description of the flow directions and
monitoring points of demonstration sites” (M 1.1). For measurement of
denitrification and DNRA, 21-27 sediment cores were taken per sampling trip.
Cores were incubated with 15NO3 in laboratory, following IPT-method and
produced N2 gas was later measured with isotope ratio mass spectrometer
[Isoprime IRMS (Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometry)]. To measure DNRA,
additional acid trapping was done and the concentrations of labelled ammonium
(15NH4) were measured with IRMS (Thermo). Sanni Aalto (UJ) has analysed and
calculated all N2 results for 2015, except the results from the last sampling
occasion (21 October 2015). Sanni Aalto (UJ), Anu Karvinen (UJ; Maj and Tor
Nessling Foundation stipendiate) and Eveliina Kinnunen (UJ) have prepared and
calculated the final results of all DNRA samples. Monitoring will continue in
Petäjävesi when the sediment filtering system is installed.
C.1.2: Monitoring N2O production rates in the recipient lakes and wastewater
treatment plants
For Keuruu and Petäjävesi, N2O production rates were measured from the same
sediment core samples than denitrification and DNRA (Table 1). Sanni Aalto,
and Anu Karvinen collected gas samples from IPT-incubations and measured
them with Isoprime IRMS. The amount of samples is shown below (Table 1). All
N2O samples were analysed and results calculated during 2015. N2O production
rates were measured from nitrification pool and discharge three times in Keuruu
WWTP in 2015 (13 Apr 2015, 22 June 2015, 3 Sept 2015) and one time in
Petäjävesi WWTP (3 Sep 2015). In addition, N2O production was measured from
clarification pool in Keuruu and in Petäjävesi on 3 Sept 2015.
Table 1. Details on the field sampling done in Keuruu and Petäjävesi in 2015.
Date
Number of
sampling points
No of Denitrification
samples
No of DNRA
samples
No of N2O
samples
No of NO2+3
samples
No of PO4/NH
4 samples
Keuruu 19.1.2015 9 9 5 9 9 5
19.5.2015 7 7 5 7 7 5
11.8.2015 7 7 5 7 7 7
20.10.2015 7 7 5 7 7 7
Petäjävesi 28.1.2015 7 7 5 7 7 5
28.5.2015 7 7 5 7 7 5
Progress report LIFE+ 10
C.1.3: Monitoring other physical and biological parameters in the recipient lake
and wastewater treatment processes
Oxygen, pH, conductivity and temperature were measured at one meter vertical
intervals from each sampling point in every sampling occasion. Nitrate
concentration was measured from each sampling point and phosphate and
ammonium from the first five to seven points (Table 1). UJ was responsible of
the monitoring of physical and biological parameters.
ACTION C.2: Monitoring the ecosystem effects of sediment filtering in Lake
Vanajavesi
C.2.1: Monitoring denitrification and DNRA (unfavored reduction of NO3 to
NH4) rates in the recipient lakes
Denitrification activity was measured five times in 2015. Samples also for
DNRA determinations were collected in 2015. Denitrification activity is clearly
increased in the sediments under the influence of treated waste water from
Paroinen WWTP. The determinations will be continued 2-3 times until summer
2016.
C.2.2: Monitoring N2O production rates in the recipient lakes and wastewater
treatment plants
Approximately monthly sampling of N2O as well as CH4 and CO2 was conducted
during the ice covered seasons continuing with a three weeks interval after the
ice-off in Lake Vanajavesi in 2015. Areal N2O production rate will be estimated
from dissolved gas concentrations in situ and flux estimations instead of
sediment core incubations. The measurements will be continued 5 times until
summer 2016.
We started N2O measurements at Paroinen WWTP on 19 January 2015 and
sampled 11 times within 3-10 weeks interval. All type of process waters were
sampled from altogether 21 sampling points on 26 February and 11 March 2015.
Based on that survey we selected seven points for monitoring including process
waters where highest N2O concentrations were found, as well as those pools
where we expect N2O production to occur, i.e. denitrification and nitrification
pools. In addition to dissolved gas samples, we measured gas flux between
process waters and the atmosphere with floating chamber technique seven times
from those seven sampling points to determine gas exchange rate, which is
required for determination of N2O production rates of WWTP. We will continue
2-3 times until summer 2016. For reference we made similar measurements at
Janakkala and Valkeakoski WWTPs on 7 September 2015.
C.2.3: Monitoring other physical and biological parameters in the recipient lake
and wastewater treatment processes
Water quality measurements were conducted at the same time with the N2O
measurements in Lake Vanajavesi. Monitored parameters included
concentrations of nitrite and nitrate, ammonium, total nitrogen, phosphate, total
Progress report LIFE+ 11
phosphorus, chl-a, dissolved organic carbon and dissolved oxygen as well as
measurements of pH, conductivity and water temperature. The measurements
will be continued 5 times until summer 2016.
ACTION C.3: Verification of catchment scale N retention models
In this action, the INCA model scenario results are up-scaled to the larger
Kokemäenjoki river basin (Figure 2; 27046 km2, lake percentage 11%) by using
the river basin scale model VEMALA. The Kokemäenjoki river discharges to the
Bothnian Sea, which is regarded largely as nitrogen limited. VEMALA is an
especially useful model when large river systems are considered.
Figure 2. Map of Finland with highlighted Kokemäenjoki and Vanajavesi
subcatchments.
The up-scaling of INCA-N with VEMALA v.3 was tested over the Vanajavesi
drainage basin (M 7.2) in correlation with the INCA model and the economic
model. The nitrogen load reduction estimate from the economic model was used
as an input for the nutrient retention simulation with VEMALA. The VEMALA
model was then able to simulate the impact of the load reduction on the water
quality of Lake Vanajanselkä. Furthermore, VEMALA v.3 was tested in the
Kokemäenjoki river basin. The preliminary results of the simulations, under
present conditions, using the terrestrial model VEMALA-N as a nitrogen input to
the river rather than the INCA-N up-scaled results, were presented at the
stakeholders meeting on 2.12.2015. The nitrogen retention simulated in the
Kokemäenjoki catchment was too high (around 50%, Figure 3) as mineralisation
and denitrification rates were too high. The simulations will be improved before
the final results are published.
Progress report LIFE+ 12
Figure 3. Total nitrogen loading into rivers and into the Sea with nitrogen
retention in the river network.
Markus Huttunen and Marie Korppoo (SYKE) have been responsible for this
action. The preliminary results of the Kokemäenjoki results with VEMALA were
presented at the stakeholders meeting on 2 December 2015.
We request a new deadline for Deliverable 7.4, the Final report of the Action C.3
(31 December 2016 → 31 April 2017).
Lake Keurusselkä 3-D flow model
Determining the contact time between waste water effluent and the lake bottom
in dynamic real world conditions, requires either direct field measurements or the
use of a 3-D hydrodynamic model. In this task we build a high-resolution 3-D
model of Lake Keurusselkä around the wastewater outlet using the open source,
European Union Public License (EUPL) COHERENS code. The results will be
used as part of a denitrification model in estimation of the effects of sediment
filtration system in Keurusselkä in Action B.1.
Necessary preparatory work for Lake Keurusselkä 3-D model has been done in
2015. We gathered available input/measurement data and made additional ADCP
measurements over a period of 1 April – 22 June 2015. We processed the data,
introduced a new version of COHERENS codebase into service (V2.9) and
developed Lake Keurusselkä specific high resolution model codes. We also
produced preliminary simulations to test individual parts of the model. Next we
will integrate the modelling components together and produce the 3-D flow and
contact time conditions needed by the denitrification study model.
The hydrodynamic modelling work is done by Janne Juntunen and Janne
Ropponen (SYKE) and will continue in 2016. The denitrification model work is
done by Sanni Aalto (UJ). Modelling results are expected before 06/2016.
Progress report LIFE+ 13
5.1.4. Action D
ACTION D.1: Communication and dissemination
For communication and dissemination, project documentation is put in project
www –pages: http://www.helsinki.fi/lammi/NSINK/.
Dissemination activity has still been intended to increase the general awareness
of the project and to a greater extent also to present the preliminary results.
Presentations have been given in international workshops and meetings (ASLO,
