A Flexible Water Quality Modelling Simulator Based on Matrix Algebra

Abstract

For the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems, an integrated approach is required. This is why watershed-based management is becoming an increasingly popular instrument for the improvement of water quality. Water quality models serve as a central part of the watershed management. Predictive water quality models are valuable tools, but they are usually complex infrastructures in terms of both operation and software development. The aim of this study is to develop the water quality simulator of a larger hydro-ecological modelling framework. Since the water quality problems are diverse, development of one water quality kinetics sub-model that would fit to all water quality problems would be an impossible task. This is the reason why; the water quality simulator software code was developed following the open source philosophy, implemented on a high level (yet high performance) programming language, and documented intensively in-line to enhance the code readability. The water quality simulator software, which is designed as a component of HIDROTURK integrated modelling platform, consists of a general transport sub-model, three water quality kinetics sub-models and utilities.