New model predicts agricultural pollution impact on water quality.
A model called RUNOFF3 was developed to predict pollution in agricultural areas. It can simulate how rainwater mixes with soil chemicals like nutrients and pesticides, and how these pollutants move with runoff and sediment. The model was tested in a Georgia watershed, where it accurately predicted runoff, sediment discharge, and the movement of chemicals like ammonium and atrazine. The researchers also looked at how sensitive the model was to certain parameters.