Development of an effects‐based approach for watershed scale aquatic cumulative effects assessment

摘要: Environmental impacts can manifest themselves in a cumulative manner over very large spatial (watershed) and temporal (decadal) scales. In response to these challenges, scientists have been developing methods that attempt assess the complex interactions between our environment current future demands of society. This article proposes framework for quantifying changes water quality quantity demonstrates its implementation an entire watershed, Athabasca River Basin Alberta, Canada. The is ideal watershed this study as it has undergone significant increase urban industrial developments potential impact aquatic ecosystem. addresses problems setting historical baseline comparing state quantitative way. also creates predicting by creating thresholds specific area. outcome identification quantification stressors (dissolved Na, chloride, sulfate) showing change across Basin, well development parameters. information be used assessments proposed possible mitigation basin. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012;X:000–000. 2013;9:380–391. © 2012 SETAC