Eutrophication Risk Potential Assessment between Forest and Agricultural Sub-Catchments Using LCIA Principles

Abstract

The management of landscapes and agricultural activities significantly impacts phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) losses, directly influencing eutrophication risk. This study quantifies the eutrophication potential of different land covers through in-situ measurements and analysis of runoff and inorganic substances. The research was conducted in two sub-catchments in the Bedřichovský stream basin, Novohradské hory, Czech Republic: a forest-dominated upper sub-catchment (UFS) and an agricultural lower sub-catchment (LAS). Water flows and surface water samples were measured over a hydrological year (November 2017 to October 2018) to determine runoff and concentrations of nitrate (N-NO3−) and phosphate (P-PO43−). The ReCiPe 2016 method, as a tool for LCIA, was used to quantify the eutrophication potential, converting N and P concentrations into nitrogen equivalents (N eq ha−1 sub-catchment) for marine eutrophication and phosphorus equivalents (P eq ha−1 sub-catchment) for freshwater eutrophication. The potential loss of species (species·yr ha−1 sub-catchment) was assessed as follows. Results indicate UFS has about 60% lower freshwater and 80% lower marine eutrophication potential compared to LAS, along with about 60% lower potential for biodiversity loss. This highlights the role of forest and grassland covers in mitigating eutrophication and protecting water sources. These findings can guide landscape management practices to reduce eutrophication potential, enhancing environmental quality and biodiversity conservation.