Conceptual Modeling and Management of Water Quality in a River Basin

Abstract

The paper presents a systematic methodology to predict the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in a river under fast purification by considering both the dispersion and sedimentation effects. The model evaluates coefficient of reaeration and deoxygenation through simulation analysis and then DO concentration at any point in a reach of the river is calculated. The model does not require a prior knowledge of the initial DO deficit at the top of every intermediate reach. Taking a case study of Delhi stretch of river Yamuna where BOD removal rates are seen to be higher than the normal rates, BOD and DO deficit occurring at a point in different reaches is predicted and compared with the observed values which is followed by important model-development tasks like calibration, verification and sensitivity analysis. The model will help to predict the future DO concentration and BOD to monitor the river water quality and to set up the efficient and optimum wastewater treatment facilities