Development of a Minimalistic Data Collection Strategy for QUAL2Kw

Abstract

AbstractIn-stream water-quality models provide guidance in watershed management decisions by linking pollutant loads to changes in water quality. These models are particularly useful for determining wasteload allocations, developing numeric nutrient criteria, and aiding in total maximum daily load (TMDL) analyses. Unfortunately, the routine data collected as part of the governmental monitoring efforts do not typically meet the data requirements for modeling. Consequently, this study presents a data collection methodology suited to meet basic in-stream water-quality modeling requirements for a commonly used model (QUAL2Kw). To set some model parameters directly, methods are provided for estimating maximum sediment oxygen demand and determining appropriate reaeration formulas based on observed oxygen time series. The quantity of data gathered within an example case study was minimized to reduce cost, which resulted in expected challenges (e.g., designation of appropriate loading values from highly variable ...