Author(s): Zhonglong Zhang
Linked Author(s): Zhonglong Zhang
Keywords: CE-QUAL-W2; Modeling; Water management; Water quality
Abstract: CE-QUAL-W2 (W2) is a 2D laterally averaged hydrodynamic and water quality model with over 30 years in development. The W2 model is capable of simulating multiple reservoir and riverine water bodies. The model solves the 2D advection-diffusion equation for water temperature and water quality constituents. Water quality constituents simulated by the model range from general constituents, inorganic solids, bacteria, dissolved gases, and Fe, Mn, Hg to nutrient cycles and eutrophication in water bodies. The user can specify any number of generic constituents, suspended solids, algae, and epiphyton, macrophyte, and zooplankton groups. W2 also includes zero-order and first-order methods and sediment diagenesis simulation for quantifying SOD and sediment-water fluxes of nutrients. The model produces detailed outputs for all water quality constituents at any longitudinal, vertical and temporal point. W2 has been successfully applied to hundreds of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the U. S. and throughout the world. The model has been used as a management tool to evaluate direct and indirect effects from various stressors, perform thermal and water quality investigations, update reservoir operation manual, and develop environmental impact statement. This presentation will discuss the water quality simulation capabilities of the latest W2 model and riverine and reservoir applications in support of water resources and ecosystem management. Both W2 applications have been used to investigate the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for the current water quality conditions and assess the environmental impacts under management scenarios. The Minnesota River runs 330 miles to its confluence with the Mississippi River near the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The Minnesota River contributes the highest sediment and nutrient loads to the Mississippi River. In the Columbia River system, reservoir operations have resulted in elevated TDG concentrations from reservoir release and along the riverine systems. Multiple W2 models have been used to predict temperature and total dissolved gas releases from reservoir projects.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/iahr-hic2483430201-430
Year: 2024