Delineation of catchment area for the lake Kisezers for environmental sustainability

J. Dumpis¹²*, A. Lagzdins¹ and I. Sics²

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Management, 2 Liela Street, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment ‘BIOR’, Lejupes Street 3, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: janisdumpis94@gmail.com

Abstract:

The study aims to develop a methodology for the delineation of a catchment area. The methodology includes the processing and analysis of LiDAR data, on-field height measurement data, bathymetric data, hydrological data. High definition catchment area maps are successfully constructed. Catchment area influencing factors such as water mass movement and changes in land use are determined. Lake Kisezers was selected as the study site because the location of the lake, the availability of data, the feasibility studies, the economic potential of the catchment area determine the topicality and significance of this study. The lake catchment area covers multiple rivers, urban and rural territories, forests, high and low terrains. In the catchment area of Lake Kisezers many hydrologic monitoring stations with continuous data are situated. In the research area, we can study how those factors interact with the possibility to perform a catchment area delineation. The final result of this study is the catchment area for Lake Kisezers. The research results are high-definition and can be used to understand locations of floodplains, territories with malfunctioning drainage systems. The repetition of this study requires extensive knowledge of cartography, experience in working with terrain and bathymetry data, wide range of GIS knowledge. The research was performed using computer software such as QGIS and GRASS GIS. The application of the methodology used in this study can serve as an example for delineation and analysis of a catchment area for other lakes and rivers. Overall, the study is a success.

Key words:

Open windrow composting of fish waste in Estonia

M. Lanno¹*, M. Silm², M. Shanskiy¹, A. Kisand², K. Orupõld³ and M. Kriipsalu⁴

¹Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Chair of Soil Science, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 5, EE51006 Tartu, Estonia
²Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 5, EE51006 Tartu, Estonia
³Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Chair of Environmental Protection and Landscape Management, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 5, EE51006 Tartu, Estonia
⁴Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Chair of Rural Building and Water Management, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 5, EE51006 Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: marge.lanno@emu.ee

Abstract:

By-catch fish is caught unintentionally during the fishing and is currently thrown back in water bodies to cause the water pollution. Currently fishermen does not have a motivation to bring the by-catch fish to the shore, as it needs to be sorted by fish species, causing fishermen extra work without additional income. Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs decided to give funding to present study with purpose to find solution to this matter. One possible solution for by-catch fish utilization is to produce high value nutrient rich fertilizer in order to close nutrient cycle and return valuable nutrients into soil. The adaptive study of outdoor windrow composting was conducted with consecutive treatments, rather than simultaneously, in order to make adaptive improvements to the set-up of each consecutive treatment. The consecutive treatments showed that fish waste composting is manageable from a technical perspective, feasible in a temperate climate, and that this type of compost holds high potential as an organic fertiliser or soil improver. Composting process started rapidly and, as required by the EU Commission regulation EU 142/2011, temperatures exceeded 70 °C for at least 1 h in all windrows. While initial treatments suffered from odours, as well as events inhibitive to the composting process, these disadvantages were successfully avoided in later treatments by adding a biofilter and inoculant from previous composting windrows, as well as lake sediments. Rather than disposing of low-value fish, these can be recycled into stable and nutrient-rich compost on-site, near fishing harbours.

Key words:

biofilter, by-catch, clay minerals, lake sediment, organic fertiliser, wheat straw