An Integrated Approach for Water Quality Modelling of Soan River Using HEC-RAS

Abstract

Water quality modeling has been shown to be a useful tool in strategic water quality management. In this study, HEC-RAS model was employed to assess the water quality of Soan River. The model was calibrated and validated successfully by evaluation through NSE and R 2 values. The simulated BOD and DO values were found to be in agreement with the measured values. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the Soan River was polluted downstream of the Kaak Bridge due to industrialization and urbanization along the River’s banks. The HEC-RAS model is a useful tool for managing water quality and making decisions. Furthermore, many situations were investigated in order to provide appropriate options for River water quality management. Sewage effluents, agricultural runoff and industrial effluents were found to be responsible for the high nutrient levels in the River which in turn reduced DO levels and increased BOD. The requirement for comprehensive integrated models that can be used to make defensible decisions is now important for the long-term management of aquatic ecosystems. The uncertainty surrounding the outcomes of integrated modelling studies makes it difficult for water resource managers to execute them.