Dynamic Simulation Of Water Quality In Rivers.WASPS Application To The River Nalon (Spain).

Abstract

This study was aimed at developing dynamic water quality models applied to the upper stretch of the river Nalon. They will be used in planning the sanitation of the Nalon basin. These models will be used to study the daily fluctuations in water quality and the impact combined sewer overflow (CSO) lias on the aquatic system. In the past a steady state model based on the QUAL2E model was developed for the river Nalon. The theoretical model used, WASP5 (Water Analysis Simulation Package, ver. 5x; AMBROSE et ai, 1991), is backed up by the US EPA. The model was approached using the validated model based on the QUAL2E program. The steady state model was validated and calibrated by specific field studies. All field study data and kinetic constants and parameters have been used for the dynamic model. The main daily wastewater discharges (flows and concentrations) are variables in the new simulations. The daily variation of dissolved oxygen has been studied and the following parameters have been simulated: BOD, ammonia, organic nitrogen, nitrates and total nitrogen. The final calibration-validation of the dynamic model was very good. The lagrangian sampling technique is appropriate for dynamic model calibration. The WASP5 program permits river water quality simulation with some limitations. The partial simulation of the CSO impact on the river is possible using the created model.