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Environmental quality guidelines for Alberta surface waters [2018]

Description

This document compiles surface water quality and aquatic ecosystem guidelines for Alberta. The guidelines are science-based recommendations that protect water uses and form a cornerstone of... More ≫

Description

This document compiles surface water quality and aquatic ecosystem guidelines for Alberta. The guidelines are science-based recommendations that protect water uses and form a cornerstone of aquatic ecosystem management and protection.

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Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in surface water sources for agricultural usage

Description

This fact sheet provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of cyanobacteria in sources of surface water used for agricultural purposes. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are natural... More ≫

Description

This fact sheet provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of cyanobacteria in sources of surface water used for agricultural purposes. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are natural inhabitants of surface waters and are widely present in dugouts and reservoirs. However, they can become a problem when conditions promote rapid growth and eventual death and decomposition.

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South Saskatchewan Region surface water quality management framework

Description

This two-page fact sheet describes the goals of the South Saskatchewan River Surface Water Quality Management Framework to monitor and manage long-term, cumulative changes in water quality within... More ≫

Description

This two-page fact sheet describes the goals of the South Saskatchewan River Surface Water Quality Management Framework to monitor and manage long-term, cumulative changes in water quality within the mainstem rivers in the region., and explains how the framework will work to meet these goals.

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Environmental quality guidelines for Alberta surface waters [2014]

Description

This document updates and expands surface water quality and aquatic ecosystem guidelines for Alberta and provides science-based recommendations that protect water uses and form a cornerstone of... More ≫

Description

This document updates and expands surface water quality and aquatic ecosystem guidelines for Alberta and provides science-based recommendations that protect water uses and form a cornerstone of aquatic ecosystem management and protection. Included are guidelines for surface water quality (to protect aquatic life, agricultural, and recreational uses), sediment quality, and tissue residue (to protect wildlife consumers).

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Alberta lakes surface water quality monitoring programs

Description

A poster-style information sheet for lake monitoring programs.

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Foam on surface waters

Description

Explains how foam forms on lakes, rivers, and streams.

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Overview of pesticide data in Alberta surface waters since 1995

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) has measured pesticides in surface waters since the mid-1980’s and reports on pesticide concentrations in surface waters as part of its evaluation and reporting... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) has measured pesticides in surface waters since the mid-1980’s and reports on pesticide concentrations in surface waters as part of its evaluation and reporting responsibilities. In 1995 the approach to pesticide monitoring was updated to link ambient monitoring to pesticide sale records. Every five years provincial pesticide sales data, information on pesticide behaviour and toxicity, and results of surface water monitoring programs, are reviewed to priorize active ingredients that need to be monitored in surface waters. The overall objective of this report is to provide an overview of the extent and nature of pesticide contamination in Alberta’s surface waters. The overview covers all data from 1995 to 2002 inclusive that are stored on the AENV Water Data System.

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Ecological relevance of pesticide residues in Alberta surface waters : an evaluation based on toxicity testing

Description

Low concentrations (ng/L to μg/L range) of many different pesticides are present in Alberta surface waters. The environmental significance of the presence of low levels of pesticides is unclear... More ≫

Description

Low concentrations (ng/L to μg/L range) of many different pesticides are present in Alberta surface waters. The environmental significance of the presence of low levels of pesticides is unclear particularly because water quality guidelines (if available) apply only to single compounds and not mixtures. The objective was to assess the toxicity of pesticide mixtures to species representative of major trophic levels in aquatic systems. Pesticides were selected based on the frequency of detection in Alberta surface waters, relative concentration, and availability of information (toxicity data).

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Pesticides in Alberta surface waters

Description

A study carried out under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (CAESA). The purpose of this scoping-level study was to determine if agricultural pesticides... More ≫

Description

A study carried out under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (CAESA). The purpose of this scoping-level study was to determine if agricultural pesticides currently sold and used in large quantities across Alberta were detectable in small streams and lakes and to compare their concentrations with CWQG for the protection of aquatic life and for irrigation.

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