Assessing the impact of rainfall on water quality in a coastal urban river utilizing the environmental fluid dynamics code

Abstract

The Haihe River, flowing through Tianjin City, grapples with pollution challenges, notably high levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leading to eutrophication and unpleasant odors, particularly aggravated by rainfall. This study used Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code to comprehensively analyze the water environment under three scenarios: low flow year, normal flow year, and high flow year. The investigation delves into N and P concentrations, computes atmospheric deposition fluxes, and evaluates the loads and retention ratios of N and P in the urban river network of Tianjin City. Scenario analysis reveals distinct trends, with high flow years associated with elevated N and hydrodynamics levels, while low flow years exhibit contrasting patterns. Key findings include 1) wet deposition fluxes contributing 21% of NH4+-N and 9% of TP river loads, 2) continuous rainfall and runoff resulting in immediate or delayed increases in NH4+-N, TN, and TP concentrations in surface water, 3) an increase in average N:P mole ratios downstream along the Haihe River, and 4) N and P mean retention ratios were 48% and 63%, respectively. The study suggests that implementing sponge city construction and sustainable drainage systems may improve water quality by mitigating the direct discharge of rainfall runoff into the river.