Mathematical model to identify nitrogen variability in large rivers

Ani, E.-C.; Hutchins, M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3764-5331; Kraslawski, A.; Agachi, P.S.. 2011 Mathematical model to identify nitrogen variability in large rivers. River Research and Applications, 27 (10). 1216-1236. https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.1418

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Abstract/Summary

The river Swale in Yorkshire, northern England has been the subject of many studies concerning water quality. This paper builds on existing data resources and previous 1D river water quality modelling applications at daily resolution (using QUESTOR) to provide a different perspective on understanding pollution, through simulation of the short-term dynamics of nutrient transport along the river. The two main objectives are (1) building, calibration and evaluation of a detailed mathematical model (Advection-Dispersion Model: ADModel), for nutrient transport under unsteady flow conditions and (2) the development of methods for estimating key parameters characterizing pollutant transport (velocity, dispersion coefficient and transformation rates) as functions of hydrological parameters and/or seasonality. The study of ammonium and nitrate has highlighted temporal variability in processes, with maximum nitrification and denitrification rates during autumn. Results show that ADModel is able to predict the main trend of measured concentration with reasonable accuracy and accounts for temporal changes in water flow and pollutant load along the river. Prediction accuracy could be improved through more detailed modelling of transformation processes by taking into account the variability of factors for which existing data were insufficient to allow representation. For example, modelling indicates that interactions with bed sediment may provide an additional source of nutrients during high spring flows.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.1418
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Water > WA Topic 1 - Variability and Change in Water Systems > WA - 1.2 - Quantify variability and departures from natural historical variability in water quality ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Boorman (to September 2014)
ISSN:	1535-1459
Additional Keywords:	nutrient dynamics, pollutant transformation, nitrogen, pollutant transport modelling, river water quality, transport parameter model, dispersion coefficient; QUESTOR; river Swale
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Hydrology
Date made live:	24 Nov 2011 14:43 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/8597

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