Assessment of Water Quality Improvement Schemes for a Complex River Network: A Case Study of Wenling

Abstract

Wenling features a high population density, a complex river network, and severe water pollution. Water quality management is impeded by the complex hydrodynamic conditions. In this research, a coupled hydrodynamic and water quality model based on MIKE 11 is developed, and combined pollution control and hydrodynamic optimization schemes are proposed for water quality improvement. The effects of the schemes are evaluated and compared with the water quality model. Comparison of the schemes suggest that pollution control is more effective than hydrodynamic optimization in the Wenling river network. Effective combined schemes that helped to meet the water quality target (class IV) are found. The results suggest that water quality management of Wenling should be focused on both pollution control and hydrodynamic optimization and that pollution control should be prioritized. The contributions of this paper should be valuable for research around the world on the water quality management of complex river network areas such as Wenling.