5. Summary of hydrodynamic-water quality model applications

Based on the fundamental concepts, theories and principles, and the practical examples presented in the two case studies, the steps involved in developing and employing a hydrodynamic-water quality model to simulate or predict a surface water system can be summarized as follows:


modeling results indicate the similar transport patterns for all species with a time lag between the locations. Generally, it took about 20 days for a contaminant to transport from SDP to FFB for this case. Therefore, the model can also be used to effectively predict the downstream scenario once the upstream condition is known. Figure 11 shows a spatial distribution of

various parameters at some time (the 50th Julian day of 2011 in this example).

106 Applications in Water Systems Management and Modeling

Figure 10. Calculated concentrations of: (a) NH3-N, (b) NO3-N, (c) organic N, and (d) organic P.

Figure 11. Scheme of (a) Alt3 route of SJR, spatial distributions of (b) velocity vector of Alt 3 of SJR, concentrations

(contours) of: (c) NH3-N, (d) NO3-N, (e) organic N, and (f) organic P at Julian day 50, 2011.


Based on aforementioned theory and principles, a stratified 3D model was used to investigate the circulation and E. coli transport in the nearshore region of Lake Michigan. The modeling results show that stratified phenomenon exists in the near region, and a 3D model is necessary. A 2D depth-averaged water quality model was developed to estimate the fate and transport of four contaminants in the San Joaquin River (SJR) of California. These models can be effectively used for inland surface water restoration and management.
