Evaluating effects of phonenix gole course on water quality at headwater catchment of bui river in hoa binh province

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT VIETNAM FORESTRY UNIVERSITY STUDENT THESIS EVALUATING EFFECTS OF PHOENIX GOLF COURSE ON WATER QUALITY AT HEADWATER CATCHMENT OF BUI RIVER IN HOA BINH PROVINCE Major: Natural Resources Management Code: D850101 Faculty: Forest Resources and Environmental Management Student: Đinh Quỳnh Oanh Student ID:1153092128 Class: K56 Natural Resources Management Course: 2011 - 2015 Advanced Education Program Developed in collaboration with Colorado State University, USA Supervisor: Dr Bùi Xuân Dũng Ha Noi, November/2015 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr Dung providing continuous encouragement and enthusiastic support during the research work in I greatly appreciated the help provided for by the weather station and laboratory work at Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Institute of Chemistry, would especially like to thank Ms.Van Anh, Mr Hoang, Ms Diem for analyzing the water samples I also thank Mr Tuan Anh for his assistance in the field I also thank Ms Hop for providing Phoenix golf course information TABLE CONTENT TABLE CONTENT LIST OF TABLE LIST OF FIGURES ABSTRACT I INTRODUCTION: 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Literature Review III OBJECTIVES 3.1 Objectives IV STUDY SITE AND METHODS 4.1 Study site 4.2 Methods 4.2.1 Identified catchment boundary of Bui River 4.2.2 Experiment design 11 4.2.4 Method of analyzing water samples in laboratory: 12 V RESULTS AND DISSCUSION 19 5.1 Characteristic of catchment headwater of Bui River 19 5.2 Maintenance and operation of Phoenix golf course 21 5.3 Characteristics water quality of Bui River 25 VI CONCLUSIONS 40 REFERENCES LIST OF TABLE Table Climate indicators at Lam Son commune Luong Son district, Hoa Binh province Table Characteristics of catchment headwater of Bui River 20 Table Parts of the Phoenix golf course 22 Table Analysis results of surface water samples at Bui Rivers 39 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Location of the study site at Lam Son commune Figure This flow chart represents whole process of doing the analysis in ArcGIS Figure Map of water samples in Bui River 11 Figure Catchment boundary of headwater Bui river in Lam Son commune 19 Figure Operation mechanism of using chemical Phoenix golf course 21 Figure The graph shows pH fluctuation in three periods at three different locations 25 Figure The changing amount of TSS is in three periods at three different locations.26 Figure The changing of DO concentration is in three periods at three different locations 27 Figure Values for BOD are in three periods at three different locations 29 Figure 10 The changing COD concentration is in three periods at three different locations 30 Figure 11 The total nitrogen values change in three periods at three different locations 32 Figure 12 The changing of total phosphorous is in three periods at three different locations 33 Figure 13 The changing of Coliform at in three periods at three different locations 35 Figure 14 The effect of Phoenix golf course on water quality at Bui River from up to downstream 36 Figure 15 Design the riparian vegetation in Phoenix golf course 37 ABSTRACT The effect of fertilizer used in turf grass of golf course is an issue for water quality This thesis therefore focused on water quality of Bui River in Lam Son commune, and the possible effects of fertilizers runoff from golf courses adjacent to this river Water quality was measured at three locations on river; from upstream, at the golf course, and downstream from the golf course pH, total suspended solid, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen and total phosphorous, total coliform samples were also taken at three locations from upstream to downstream and in difference period of time: sunny day, one day after applying fertilizers in golf course and rainy day The results show that significant difference between upstream and golf course, downstream of water quality The concentration of pollutants was upward trend from upstream to downstream I found that a significant increasing in total nitrogen and phosphorous levels at golf course and downstream, in particularly, the values of COD, BOD, total nitrogen, total phosphorous is high but values of DO is low, this suggested that the excessive use fertilizers in golf course were sources of nitrogen and phosphorous enrichment I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction In recent years, golf courses have developed rapidly and widely in Vietnam There are 35 golf courses operating in Vietnam, with another 65 projects in development, planning and construction (www.golfasian.com/golf-courses/vietnam-golf-courses/) In Vietnam, the game of golf is relatively new in the country but novelty has not prevented the unprecedented construction and development of mostly foreign-owned golf courses Development and operation of golf course projects in a sound manner can bring economic benefits and contribute to community development Reclamations of fallow or arid lands for the development of golf courses will contribute to the change of natural landscape and living environment, create an attractive form of tourism – the sport of golf, meeting this increasing trend in modern society; at the same time it creates job opportunities for local people and surrounding areas, contributing to provincial and local budgets Other thing that a golf course can provide benefits to the environment if constructed and managed using environmentally responsible methods The current development of golf courses without good management, planning will increase pressure on socio-economic and environmental problem in Vietnam Golf courses are man-made ecosystems which include ground-surface water, turf grasses, green space and provide the space for millions of people each year Most of golf courses are constructed and designed with containing streams that pass through the course ground and have the potential to negatively impact to streams (Ammy, 1996) To maintain green space and playing conditions, turf grass receives greater and variety amount of pesticides than most agricultural crops Research of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that, every year, an 18-hole course uses about 1.5 tons of chemicals that is time higher than the chemical used for the same area of agriculture land, including silicic acid, and Fe oxides The regular uses of pesticides and fertilizers on golf course often lead to the assumption that these chemicals are transported into surface or ground water and it has impact on surface water quality of stream These chemical fertilizers are not only a health danger to workers of golf courses or golfers, but to any nearby areas as well Vietnam's government is putting the environment at huge risks by approving many riverside and seaside golf courses, whose uses of fertilizers and pesticides are alarmingly high According to Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the world golf courses was built in places far from residential areas or land is not arable or ineffective But in Vietnam is tended to develop golf near the river, statistics show there are 114 golf courses projects in Vietnam and 10, contain river or stream pass through course In which, the 54 holes Phoenix Golf Course is the largest playing golf facility in Vietnam and second largest in Asia, this is located nearby Bui River It is such a sensitive position is difficult to processed environmental issues Very toxic substances overflow into rivers, leaching the ground and the people around Base on the analysis of current golf courses, its potential effect on environment, specially stream and water quality, I choose the research: “Evaluating effects of Phoenix Golf Course on water quality at headwater catchment of Bui River in Hoa Binh province.” 1.2 Literature Review The study in water quality impacts by golf courses has grown significantly since the late 1980s These studies rarely receive publicity, however, nor are they usually compared in order to identify trends in water quality as it is affected by golf courses Pesticides and fertilizer movement has been the focus much of the research into the impact of golf course upon the aquatic environment Previous study showed the leaching of pesticides that were applied to four golf courses in Cape Cod (Cohen, et.al 1990) They found eight pesticides and pesticide metabolites in ground water and they also concluded that for the hydrologic conditions at their study sites, the use of pesticides applied in Cape Cod are had impact on ground water quality and United States Geological Survey technical reported identified 27 pesticide degradation products in surface water samples collected from a watershed basin located near Portland Application of fertilizers and pesticides in golf courses results in surface water quality impact as has been reported in several studies Antikainen and others reported that nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are elements used in fertilizers and when used in excess can contribute to environmental challenges such as eutrophication (Antikainen, et.al 2004) Phosphorus-based fertilizers, which run off into local lakes and streams during watering and runoff from storm event, causing algae blooms that suck up oxygen and kill aquatic life (Ayyappan, et al 2005, Aguila et al 2004) From Mallin and Wheeler have found that nitrate level in creeks increased while passing through golf courses and those nutrient concentrations in golf courses ponds and coastal areas adjacent to golf courses were higher than those in reference locations Golf has become a serious industry in South East Asian countries and it has harmful to human health and the environment that were near golf courses According to Tourism Concern, an average golf course in tropical country such as Thailand need 1500 kilograms of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and also uses as much water as 60,000 rural villagers In Vietnam, polluting Tam Dao Golf Course in northern Vinh Phuc Province, since the course was built in 2004, the local water source became heavily polluted due to the discharge of untreated herbicides and pesticides from the golf course and provincial authorities’ keeps ignoring to treat its wastes, creating a stir among local residents Until now, there are not many studies on evaluating water quality at headwater catchment of Bui River The scientific research of Hua Thi Yen, Nguyen Thuy Duong, TranVan Hung (2009) showed developing of a golf course without planning that leads to increase amount of pollutants in surface water at Bui River The study conducted that total nitrate and phosphorous was low in upstream where no had impacts of activities of Phoenix golf course but in water quality downstream had total nitrogen and phosphorous increase significantly In Lam Son commune, scientific surveys and report on chemical effects in golf course are lacking There are no available documents, papers, reports, which exists for reference and guidance d) Biological oxygen demand (BOD) Figure Values for BOD are in three periods at three different locations The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) test is a measure of the amount of oxygen used by microorganisms such as bacteria in the oxidation of organic matter Figure shows, the upward trend of BOD5 concentrations from upstream to downstream BOD values of water samples at both golf course and downstream, these values also excess the allowable limit which is 15 mg/L But water samples were taken at upstream where is no effected of golf course, BOD5 values were bellow standard B1, it ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 mg/L BOD5 values also changes when golf course sprayed fertilizers for turf grass Concentration of BOD5 at golf course sample increased 3.1 mg/L and at downstream sample increased too 4.2 mg/L after applying fertilizers one day The BOD can increase due to an increase in nutrient such as nitrogen and phosphorous loads to a water body and organic matter decomposes it will use up dissolved oxygen This is reason why BOD 29 values increased significantly after rain event at both golf course sample and downstream sample, otherwise, BOD value at upstream sample decrease after raining with values 3.5 mg/L When BOD levels are high, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels decrease because the oxygen that is available in the water is being consumed by the bacteria Since less dissolved oxygen is available in the water, fish and other aquatic organisms may not survive Thus, generally, the water quality of headwater catchment was influenced by maintained grass of Phoenix golf course, poor and large amount of organic matter in water and it can threat to living organism in water body e) Chemical oxygen demand (COD) Figure 10 The changing COD concentration is in three periods at three different locations Chemical oxygen demand determines the oxygen required for chemical oxidation during the decomposition of organic and inorganic chemicals such as ammonia and nitrite The minimum values of COD in water samples indicate low organic pollutants, while maximum concentration of COD indicates higher concentration of pollutants From figure 30 it can seen that COD values of water samples from upstream are lowest, it ranges from 8.6 to 15.8 mg/L and meet the permitted values of standard B1 (which is below 30 mg/L) The samples water from golf course has the highest COD values than the others, COD values from 38.4 to 51.5 mg/L and it higher than 3.6 times COD values from upstream Also, the COD content at downstream is high and both COD values of golf course and downstream are excess the allowable limit Thus, at upstream where is no affected by golf course activities, the minimum COD values it means low organic pollutants and the parts of stream flow through golf course has COD concentration is much higher due to operation of golf course The effect of golf course can see clearly by changing COD values after applying fertilizers and raining As figure shows, COD value (48.6 mg/L) at golf course in 18August increased because of applying fertilizer in turf grass and in 20-August appeared heavy rain (80.9 mm), this lead to nutrient runoff from turf grass to stream and lakes in golf course caused increasing COD concentration significantly 51.5 mg/L From this activities of golf course also lead to increase concentration of COD at downstream But rain is causing dilution of leaching and reduces COD value Depend on COD parameter; the water quality of this catchment is not good for human purpose such as aquaculture 31 f) Total nitrogen (NO-3) Figure 11 The total nitrogen values change in three periods at three different locations The higher nitrogen concentration in water, the higher level of pollutant and nitrate reactions in fresh water can cause oxygen depletion According to figure, there are big difference nitrogen levels and significantly increase from upstream to downstream of Bui River With samples site, upstream has the lowest concentration of nitrogen in water and the values range in 1-2 mg/L Both water samples at golf course and downstream are usually higher nitrogen level due to use fertilizers and pesticides in Phoenix golf course Nitrate from applying fertilizers not taken up by grass in lawns can enter water bodies in runoff This is shown in increasing nitrogen levels at golf course and downstream sample after spraying pesticides for turf grass One day after applying pesticides in golf course, the concentration of nitrogen in stream increases from 4.3 to 5.35 mg/L it means the excess of fertilizer enter water body Also, nitrogen level was recorded increase at 32 downstream In 20-August, heavy rains can generate runoff containing nitrogen into nearby streams So, the amount of nitrogen at samples site is slightly increase, the highest total nitrogen 7.1 mg/L is at downstream after raining Thus, maintenance of Phoenix golf course in turf grass system has impact to water quality of Bui River because of increasing total nitrogen concentration after using fertilizers in grass From fig, all the nitrogen level nitrate is not exceed 10 mg/L (standard B1) and this water can for any waters used as domestic using g) Total Phosphorous Figure 12 The changing of total phosphorous is in three periods at three different locations Phosphorus (PO43-), like nitrogen is an important nutrient for plants If phosphorus excess, it can cause problems in fresh water From figure, the concentration of phosphorous at upstream samples has the lowest values; it is about 0.1 mg/L and lowers than permitted value of standard B1 But there are significantly increase phosphorous concentrations at both golf course and downstream samples (Phosphorous concentration at 33 golf course ranges from 0.36 to 0.61 mg/L and downstream with highest value ranges in 0.45-0.71 mg/L) and these values are higher than permitted value of standard B1 Phoenix golf course activities are the reason why the phosphorous concentration in water is very high We can see that at upstream where is no effected of using fertilizer in golf course, had the concentration of phosphorous is low and the water quality is clean even after rainfall this value reduce The effect of golf course can see easily when they used fertilizer in turf grass system One day after applying fertilizer, both the phosphorous concentration at golf course sample increases significantly from 0.36 to 0.51 mg/L and at downstream also increases 0.1 mg/L When it rain, after two days applying chemical fertilizer, there are increase concentration of phosphorous in water body Because of golf course is non-point pollution which caused by rainfall moving over and through the ground As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers The excessive amounts of phosphorous in a system can lead to an abundant supply of vegetation and cause low dissolved oxygen Depend on total phosphorous parameter; these excess nutrients have can over stimulate aquatic plant and algae growth and has potential to degrade water quality of Bui river catchment 34 h) Total Coliform Figure 13 The changing of Coliform at in three periods at three different locations Coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria that are passed through the fecal excrement of human, livestock and wildlife From the figure, we can see coliform content at sample sites increase from upstream to downstream Upstream has the lowest concentration of coliform, it is about 1000 MPN/100mL because there is without significant human impact The source of fecal coliform in upstream is animal waste In 20August, when it rain, the heavy rain washes manure from the land into stream and lead to slightly increase coliform concentration The stream which parts flow through golf course has presentation of coliform in water body It ranges from 1300-1800 MPN/100mL after rainfall the coliform concentration in water also increase due to runoff surface Source of coliform is from human waste so the bacteria go down the stream by the houses nearby stream Beside, at 35 downstream has the highest concentration of coliform in water with values range in 19002800 MPN/100mL and it increase rapidly after rainfall Because at downstream the rain washes amount of human waste from golf course and houses to river In general, all the Coliform were analyzed in surface water at locations meet the permitted values of regulation of QCVN 08:2008 column B1 Figure 14 The effect of Phoenix golf course on water quality at Bui River from up to downstream Phoenix golf course was affected to water quality at Bui River from upstream to downstream (Fig 14.) From upstream to golf course, DO concentration is decreasing and BOD, COD, total nitrogen, total phosphorous values is increasing quickly, thus, total nitrates and phosphorous in a body of water can contribute to high COD, BOD levels, it lead to decrease in dissolved oxygen Total coliform and TSS is slightly increasing At 36 Phoenix golf course, regularly using fertilizer in turf grass, it is reason for increasing concentration of COD, BOD, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous in water body From golf course to downstream, distance is one kilometer, TSS and total coliform is increasing and BOD, COD, nitrogen and phosphorous slightly tend to increase, but DO is decrease This means that aquatic plants and algae is growth from nutrient runoff and used up oxygen in water Phoenix golf course in operation and maintenance can cause increase organic waste in water and lead to significantly difference water quality parameters from upstream to downstream 5.4 Suggestion for management Data showed that the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous is contributed in water body by nutrient runoff from using fertilizers in turf grass system of golf course So, I recommend two solutions to reduce the impacts of nutrient runoff from golf course a) Design riparian buffer zones Figure 15 Design the riparian vegetation in Phoenix golf course 37 Stream that passes through golf course, with some shrub grow along river and not have buffer riparian vegetation, this lead to poor water quality in Bui river Riparian buffer has roles in water quality improvement includes processing, removing, transforming, and storing such pollutants as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, and certain heavy metals (Wenger, S 1999) Study of Ellen Hawes and Markelle Smith found that Nitrogen and phosphorous can be retained in buffers that ranges from m to 50m I attempt to mitigate the effects of the golf course’s impact on the river by reducing the amount of nutrients that enter the river system by utilizing riparian buffer zones ( mix vegetation: trees, grass, shrubs) of at least meters between fertilized grass and the river b) Timing for applying fertilizers in golf course Because of chemical compounds in river water are almost contributed from golf course by runoff surface (5.3) which is affected by rainfall However we cannot control the rainfall but we have weather forecast So, to minimizing impact of runoff nutrients need to define time for applying fertilizers They need to check the weather, avoid fertilizing if the forecast calls for a strong thunderstorm, since fertilizer will run off into river Grass should be fertilized after, rather than before, a heavy rainfall 38 Table Analysis results of surface water samples at Bui Rivers Date 14 - August,2015 Sample Parameter index pH DO COD BOD-5 TSS N-NO3 P-PO4 Coliform (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (MPN/100 ml) S1M1 7.6 4.6 15.8 4.7 7.5 1.95 0.15 900 ( Sunny day, no rain, no S1M2 7.4 4.8 38.4 14.3 10.8 4.8 0.36 1300 applying fertilizers) S1M3 7.9 4.5 33.8 17.3 18.4 4.13 0.45 1900 18- August, 2015 S2M1 (one day after applying SM fertilizers in golf course, no 2 rain) S2M3 7.5 4.7 14.1 4.5 1.78 0.13 800 7.4 4.5 48.6 17.4 12.5 5.85 0.51 1300 7.7 4.3 37.4 21.5 22.7 5.35 0.55 2100 20- August, 2015 S3M1 7.7 5.1 8.6 3.5 16.1 2.23 0.06 1000 (Rainy day and after applying S3M2 7.7 4.1 51.5 21.3 18.6 6.73 0.62 1800 7.9 3.7 31.6 26.4 30 7.1 0.71 2800 5.5-9 >4 30 15 50 10 0.3 7500 fertilizers) S3M3 QCVN 08:2008 (B1) Note: S1: Samples were collected at upstream S2: Samples were collected in golf course S3: Samples were collected at downstream QCVN 08:2008/ BTNMT (Column B1)- National technical regulation on surface water quality Column B1- Using for irrigation or other purposes which required the similar water quality or the same type B2 ( B2-river traffic and other purposes with requirement for low quality water) 39 VI CONCLUSIONS Catchment headwater of Bui River had the area is 30.548 km2 with total stream length is 26.88 km The water of catchment flow downhill, from areas of high elevation towards areas of lower elevation This catchment plays important roles in water supply for living and irrigation Phoenix golf course was constructed with containing Bui River that passes though the golf course With total 250 of grass and the huge amount of fertilizers use in turf grass system Normally, golf course maintained turf grass by applying fertilizers and pesticides with the average of fertilizers are nearly 30 tons in every month I chose some water indicators to access water quality of Bui River From spatial sampling of water at locations Bui Rivers all water quality parameters at upstream where is no affected by golf course operation had the lowest values But the water flow from upstream to downstream, the water samples were taken at golf course and downstream had higher values There was an increase trend of TSS, COD, BOD, total nitrogen and total phosphorous from upstream to downstream after raining This implies that nutrient from golf course fertilizers runoff into rivers if used in excess In generally, pH, TSS, DO, total nitrogen and total coliform parameters are under the permitted values of regulation of QCVN 08:2008, except total phosphorous concentration, BOD, COD, at both golf course and downstream samples excess permitted value Thus, maintenance and operation of Phoenix golf course had the effect to water quality of Bui River Data shows a significant increasing in total nitrogen and phosphorous levels at golf course and downstream, suggesting that the excessive use fertilizers in golf course were sources of nitrogen and phosphorous enrichment This water quality is not good for human uses, just used in irrigation, traffic or other purpose with requirement for low quality water 40 To minimize the effect of golf course suggesting that utilizing riparian buffer zones and avoiding using fertilizer before rain 41 REFERENCES Amy Swancar 1996 Water quality, pesticide occurrence, and effects of Irrigation with reclaimed water at Golf Courses in Florida, U.S Geological survey, 26-38 p Antikainin, R., M Esala, P Huhtanen, R Lemola, J Nousiainen, S Rekolainen, L Sokka 2004 Stocks and flows of nitrogen and phosphorous in the Fishing food production and consumption system Agriculture, Ecosystems and the Environment 107: 280‐305 Cohen, S.Z., S Nickerson, R Maxey, A Dupuy, and J.A Senita, 1990 A ground water monitoring study for pesticides and nitrates associated with golf courses on Cape Cod Ground Water Monitoring Review, Winter 1990 issue James C Balogh,William J Walker 1992 Golf Course Management & Construction: Environmental Issues, Chapter Pesticides and Water quality, 287-335 p Ellen Hawes and Markelle Smith, 2005 Riparian Buffer Zones: Functions and Recommended Widths Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Hua Thi Yen, Nguyen Thuy Duong, Tran Van Hung, 2008 Research on the environmental impacts of Long Son golf course, in Lam Son commune Scientific research in Viet Nam Forestry University http://www.golfasian.com/golf-courses/vietnam-golf-courses/hanoi/phoenix-golf-resort/ http://water.me.vccs.edu/courses/env211/lab5b.htm http://www.phoenixgolf.kr/04_phoenix/introduce_en.html 10 Mallin, M., Wheeler, T., 2000 Nutrient and fecal coliform discharge from coastal North Carolina golf courses Journal of Environmental Quality 29, 979–986 11 Petrovic, A.M., 1990 The fate of nitrogenous fertilizers applied to turfgrass Journal of Environmental Quality 19:1-14 12 Richard D Klein, 1999 Protecting the Aquatic Environment from the Effects of Golf Courses 12-23 p 13 Rosen, C.J., B.P Horgan and R.J Mugas 2006 Fertilizing lawns University of Minnesota Extension Service Pub FO-03338 14 TCVN 5996-1995: Water quality- Sampling - Guidance on sampling on rivers and Streams Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Vietnam 15 U.S Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs 1989 Integrated pest management for turfgrass and ornamentals (A R Leslie and R L Metcalf, eds) Lawrence, KS: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 16 Wenger, S 1999 A review of the scientific literature of riparian buffer width, extent and vegetation: http://outreach.ecology.uga.edu/tools/buffers/lit_review.pdf ... research: ? ?Evaluating effects of Phoenix Golf Course on water quality at headwater catchment of Bui River in Hoa Binh province. ” 1.2 Literature Review The study in water quality impacts by golf courses... water quality of headwater catchment Bui River we conducted identification catchment boundary of Bui River and found out characteristics of catchment The boundary of headwater catchment of Bui River. .. determined the map catchment boundary of Bui River in Lam Son commune: Figure Catchment boundary of headwater Bui river in Lam Son commune 19 Characteristics of catchment headwater of Bui River