title: Dynamic simulation of the water quality in rivers based on the IWA RWQM1. Application of the new simulator CalHidra 2.0 to the Tajo River.
abstract: This paper presents a new model for the dynamic prediction of water quality in rivers using in-series continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR) and process transformations based on the IWA RWQM1. The transport model introduces a new parameter f (fraction of solids that are not retained in the in-series reactors) that splits hydraulic and solids retention times, regulating the transport of particulate substances along the river stretch. The characterization of the model components is based on elemental mass fractions, and closed mass balance is guaranteed for each process transformation. The resulting model has been implemented in the new simulator CalHidra 2.0 and applied to a branch of the Tajo River in the Madrid area. The spatial profiles of ammonium, nitrates, and dissolved oxygen in different seasonal periods have been used to calibrate the model. The proposed model also has shown its usefulness for exploring the evolution of the water quality in the Tajo River under different scenarios.
authors.affiliation: CEIT, University of Navarra, P.O. Box 1555, San Sebastián, Spain. cmartin@ceit.es
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martín
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Cardona
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: San Martín
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salterain
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ayesa
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D005843:Geography; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012621:Seasons; D013030:Spain; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*