Estimating Sediment Loading Using SWAT and Identifying Habitat Differences in Reference and Impaired Streams

Abstract

Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to estimate the sediment loading in reference and impaired streams of Oklahoma. Two streams east of I35 were studied, of which one was reference and the other was impaired. The results were compared to the transport capacity of the streams computed using Yang's Equation. Parameters on the micro-scale habitats (substrate, instream cover, and flow condition), macro-scale habitats (channel geometry and sediment deposition), and parameters evaluating the riparian and bank structure (such as bank stability, vegetation, and streamside cover) between the reference and impaired streams were also compared.nFinding and Conclusion: The comparison revealed that in the reference stream the sediment loading from the watershed is lower than the transport capacity, while in the impaired stream the sediment loading is higher than the transport capacity. Significant differences in the compared habitat parameters were also found.