Concepts for river water quality processes for an integrated river basin modelling

Although there are various ways to model the bio-chemical processes in rivers, two main trends can be distinguished: the traditional QUAL2E-type models and the RWQM-type models, developed by extending and adapting the ASM equations. Both approaches have their weak and strong points. This paper focuses on the application of these concepts in an integrated modelling context. To this purpose, the models were adapted to respect the mass balances, to enable linkage to WWTP outputs and to diffuse pollution sources. Both approaches have been included in ESWAT - Extended Soil and Water Assessment Tool which was developed by the authors to allow for an integral modelling of the water quantity and quality processes in river basins. A comparison and evaluation of both quality models is performed for the river Dender (Belgium). It is shown that both models give a reasonable fit for dissolved oxygen and ammonia. However, the dynamics of the quality processes for the RWQM model are slower, due to the time that bacteria need to adapt to changes of the loads of organic matter.