A Review of Surface Water Quality Models

Abstract

Surface water quality models can be useful tools to simulate and predict the levels, distributions, and risks of chemical pollutants in a given water body. The modeling results from these models under different pollution scenarios are very important components of environmental impact assessment and can provide a basis and technique support for environmental management agencies to make right decisions. Whether the model results are right or not can impact the reasonability and scientificity of the authorized construct projects and the availability of pollution control measures. We reviewed the development of surface water quality models at three stages and analyzed the suitability, precisions, and methods among different models. Standardization of water quality models can help environmental management agencies guarantee the consistency in application of water quality models for regulatory purposes. We concluded the status of standardization of these models in developed countries and put forward available measures for the standardization of these surface water quality models, especially in developing countries.

Numerical study of hydrodynamic and salinity transport process in Pink Beach wetlands of Liao River Estuary, China

“…The MIKE 21 model, one of the most widely used hydrodynamic models, was developed by Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) and has been widely used in domestic and overseas research (Wang et al, 2013). The model is based on the cell-centered 5 finite volume method implemented on an unstructured flexible mesh.…”

A Simplified Model to Simulate pH and Alkalinity in the Mixing Zone Downstream of an Acidic Discharge

“…Over the years, there has been a plethora of models developed, such as Streeter-Phelps, QUAL, WASP, QUASAR, MIKE, BASIN, EFDC, OTIS, and PHREEQ C, aimed at simulating processes governing water quality in surface waters (Walton-Day et al 2007;Wang et al 2013). While these models can be put to good use, none of the models was actually developed to simulate water quality in rivers affected by acidification (Cardona et al 2011;Munhoven 2013;Wang et al 2013).…”

How Do Terrestrial Determinants Impact the Response of Water Quality to Climate Drivers?—An Elasticity Perspective on the Water–Land–Climate Nexus

“…Two examples of this are the storm water model (SWMM) in combination with the in-stream water quality model (WASP) which are used to compute non-point pollutant load and water quality responses to precipitation, respectively, based on different land cover scenarios [23]. However, to analyze the temperature influence, many datasets and calibration work are required for a case study.…”