The modified SWAT model for predicting fecal coliforms in the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed, USA.
This study assessed fecal coliform contamination in the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed in Massachusetts, USA using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) because bacteria are one of the major water quality parameters of concern. The bacteria subroutine in SWAT, considering in-stream bacteria die-off only, was modified in this study to include solar radiation-associated die-off and the contribution of wildlife. The result of sensitivity analysis demonstrates that solar radiation is one of the most significant fate factors of fecal coliform. A water temperature-associated function to represent the contribution of beaver activity in the watershed to fecal contamination improved prediction accuracy. The modified SWAT model provides an improved estimate of bacteria from the watershed. Our approach will be useful for simulating bacterial concentrations to provide predictive and reliable information of fecal contamination thus facilitating the implementation of effective watershed management.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts, 130 Natural Resources Road, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Kyung Hwa
KH
Cho
Yakov A
YA
Pachepsky
Joon Ha
JH
Kim
Jung-Woo
JW
Kim
Mi-Hyun
MH
Park
D002138:Calibration; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000382:microbiology; D008404:Massachusetts; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014871:Water Microbiology