Water Contamination Modeling—A Review of the State of the Science

Abstract

This paper reports on the current state of surface water and ocean contamination models—based on the needs of US Government agencies, their Information Technology (IT) systems, and business processes. In addition, down-selection and evaluation criteria were applied in a two-step process. In Step 1, sixty five surface water and ocean models were identified and researched. In Step 2, the following criteria were explored for each model: 1) model environment (river, lake estuary, coastal ocean and watershed); 2) degree of analysis (screening model intermediate model, advanced model); 3) availability (public domain, proprietary); 4) temporal variability (steady state or time variable/dynamic); 5) spatial resolution (one, two or three dimensional); 6) processes (flow, transport, both flow and transport in an integrated system); 7) water quality (chemical, biological, radionuclides, sediment); and 8) support (user support/training available, user manuals/documents available).

Share and Cite:

R. Bahadur, D. Amstutz and W. Samuels, "Water Contamination Modeling—A Review of the State of the Science," Journal of Water Resource and Protection, Vol. 5 No. 2, 2013, pp. 142-155. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2013.52016.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1] D. R. Maidment, “Handbook of Hydrology,” McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, 1992, p. 1992.
[2] S. C. Chapra, “Surface Water Quality Modeling,” McGraw-Hill Inc., New York, 1997, p. 844.
[3] EPA, “AQUATOX for Windows: A Modular Fate and Effects Model for Aquatic Ecosystems (Release 1), Vol. 3,” Model Validation Reports, Office of Water, Washington DC, 2000.
[4] R. A. Luettich Jr., J. J. Westerink and N. W. Scheffner, “ADCIRC: An Advanced Three-Dimensional Circulation Model for Shelves Coasts and Estuaries, Report 1: Theory and Methodology of ADCIRC-2DDI and ADCIRC-3DL,” Dredging Research Program Technical Report DRP-92-6, US Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1992, p. 137.
[5] W. W. Walker, “Empirical Methods for Predicting Eutrophication in Impoundments: Report 3, Phase III: Model Refinements. Technical Report E-81-9,” US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1985.
[6] W. W. Walker, “Empirical Methods for Predicting Eutrophication in Impoundments; Report 3, Phase III: Applications Manual. Technical Report E-81-9,” US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1986.
[7] H. E. Jobson, “Enhancements to the Branched Lagrangian Transport Modeling System,” US Geological Survey, Reston, 1997.
[8] H. E. Jobson and D. H. Schoellhamer, “Users Manual for a Branched Lagrangian Transport Model,” US Geological Survey, Reston, 1987.
[9] R. W. Schaffranek, “Flow Model for Open-Channel Reach or Network,” U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1384,” 1987, p. 12.
[10] J. D. Wang and J. J. Connor, “Mathematical Modeling of Near Coastal Circulation, Report No. 217,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Cambridge, 1975.
[11] C. F. Cerco and T. Cole, “User’s Guide to the CE-QUAL-ICM Three-Dimensional Eutrophication Model, Release Version 1.0, Technical Report EL-95-15,” US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1995:
[12] Environmental Laboratory, “CE-QUAL-R1: A Numerical One-Dimensional Model of Reservoir Water Quality; Users Manual, Instruction Report E-82-1,” US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1986.
[13] Environmental Laboratory, “CE-QUAL-RIV1 (ver 2): A Dynamic One-Dimensional (Longitudinal) Water Quality Model for Streams, User’s Manual, Instruction Report,” US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1995.
[14] T. M. Cole and E. M. Buchak, “CE-QUAL-W2: A Two-Dimensional, Laterally Averaged, Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Model, Version 2.0. Technical Report EL-95-1,” US Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1995, p. 75.
[15] Environmental and Hydraulics Laboratories, “CE-QUAL-W2: A Numerical Two-Dimensional, Laterally Averaged Model of Hydrodynamics and Water Quality, Instruction Report E-86-5,” US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1986.
[16] Y. P. Sheng and H. L. Butler, “A Three-Dimensional Mathematical Model of Coastal, Estuarine and Lake Currents, Technical Memorandum, 82-07,” Aeronautical Research Associates, Princeton, 1982.
[17] H. S. Chen, “A Mathematical Model for Water Quality Analysis,” Proceedings American Society of Civil Engineers, Hydraulics Division, Specialty Conference on Verification of Mathematical Models and Physical Models in Hydraulic Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers, New York, 1978.
[18] S. Fant and M. S. Dortch, “Documentation of a One-Dimensional, Time Varying Contaminant Transport and Fate Model for Streams,” ERDC/EL TR-07-1, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, 2007.
[19] R. L. Doneker and G. H. Jirka, “CORMIX User Manual: A Hydrodynamic Mixing Zone Model and Decision Support System for Pollutant Discharges into Surface Waters,” EPA-823-K-07-001, 2007. http://www.mixzon.com/downloads/
[20] EPA, “Technical Guidance annual for Performing Waste Load Allocations, Book II Streams and Rivers, Chapter 3, Toxic Substances, EPA-440/4-84-022,” Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Washington DC, 1984.
[21] H. E. Jobson, “Users Manual for an Open-Channel Stream Flow Model Based on the Diffusion Analogy: US Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 89-4133,” US Geological Survey, Reston, 1989, p. 73.
[22] K. D. Feinger and H. S. Harris, “Documentation Report-FWQA Dynamic Estuary Model,” US Environmental Protection Agency, Water Quality Office, Washington, DC, NTIS No. PB 197 103, 1970.
[23] Deltares, 2012. http://www.deltaressystems.com/hydro/product/621497/delft3d-suite
[24] W. M. Alley and P. E. Smith, “Distributed Routing Rain-fall-Runoff Model, Version II, US Geological Survey Open-File Report 82-344,” 1982, p. 233.
[25] USACE, “DYNLET Mode,” 2012. http://chl.erdc.usace.army.mil/chl.aspx?p=s&a=SOFTWARE;30
[26] A. F. Blumberg and G. L. Mellor, “A Description of a Three-Dimensional Coastal Ocean Circulation Model, in Three-Dimensional Coastal Ocean Models, Coastal and Estuarine Sciences,” AGU, Washington DC, 1987, pp. 1-16.
[27] G. Mellor, “User’s Guide for a Three-Dimensional, Primitive Equation, Numerical Ocean Model,” Princeton University, Princeton, 1990.
[28] J. M. Hamrick, “A User’s Manual for the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Computer Code (EFDC),” Special Report 331, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, 1996.
[29] Y. P. Sheng, “A Three-Dimensional Mathematical Model of Coastal, Estuarine and Lake Currents Using Boundary Fitted Grid, Report. 585,” Aeronautical Research Association, Princeton, 1986.
[30] USEPA, “Water Quality Assessment: A Screening Procedure for Toxic and Conventional Pollutants,” Office of Research and Development, Athens, 1985.
[31] W. B. Mills, J. D. Dean, D. B. Porcella, S. A. Gherini, R. J. M. Hudson, W. E. Frick, G. L. Rupp and G. L. Bowie, “Water Quality Assessment: A Screening Procedure for Toxic and Conventional Pollutants. EPA-600/6-82-004a and b. Volumes I and II,” US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC, 1982.
[32] R. G. Baca, W. W. Waddel, C. R. Cole, A. Brandsetter, and D. B. Cearlock, “EXPLORE-1: A River Basin Water Quality Model,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, 1973.
[33] Y. Onishi, “Sediment Contaminant Transport Model,” Journal of the Hydraulics Division, Proceedings of the American Society of Civil, Vol. 107, No. HY9, 1981.
[34] Y. Onishi, “Mathematical Simulation of Sediment and Radionuclide Transport in the Columbia River. BNWL-2228,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, 1977, p. 93.
[35] J. E. Edinger and E. M. Buchak, “Numerical Waterbody Dynamics and Small Computers,” Proceedings of ASCE 1985 Hydraulic Division Specialty Conference on Hydraulics and Hydrology in the Small Computer Age, American Society of Civil Engineers, Lake Buena Vista, 13-16 August 1985.
[36] K. O. Asante, G. A. Artan, S. Pervez, C. Bandaragoda, and J. P. Verdin, “Technical Manual for the Geospatial Stream Flow Model (GeoSFM): US Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007-1441,” US Geological Survey, Reston, 2008, p. 65.
[37] E. M. Buchak and J. E. Edinger, “Generalized, Longitudinal-Vertical Hydrodynamics and Transport: Development, Programming and Applications. Contract No. DA CW39-84-M-1636,” US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1984.
[38] C. J. Beegle-Krause, “General NOAA Oil Modeling Environment (GNOME): A New Spill Trajectory Model,” IOSC 2001 Proceedings, Tampa, 26-29 March 2001, pp. 865-871.
[39] C. W. Downer and F. L. Ogden, “Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) User’s Manual Version 1.43 for Watershed Modeling System 6.1,” 2006.
[40] Hydrologic Engineering Center, “HEC-HMS Hydrologic Modeling System User’s Manual, Version 3.5, Computer Program Document CPD-74A,” US Army Corps of Engineers, Davis, 2010.
[41] HEC, “HEC-RAS River Analysis System User’s Manual Version 4,” US Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center, Davis, 2008.
[42] W. R. Waldrop and F. B. Tatom, “Analysis of the Thermal Effluent from the Gallatin Steam Plant during Low Flows, Report. 33-30,” Tennessee Valley Authority, Nor- ris, 1976.
[43] E. J. Hayter and A. J. Mehta, “Modeling Cohesive Sediment Transport in Estuarial Waters,” Applied Mathema- tical Modelling, Vol. 10, 1986, pp. 294-303.
[44] E. J. Hayter, M. A. Bergs, R. Gu, S. C. McCutcheon, S. J. Smith and H. J. Whiteley, “HSCTM-2D, a Finite Element Model for depth-Averaged Hydrodynamics, Sediment and Contaminant Transport,” National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, UE Environmental Protection Agency, Athens.
[45] B. R. Bicknell, J. C. Imhoff, J. L. Kittle Jr., A. S. Donigian Jr. and R. C. Johanson, “Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran, User’s Manual for Version 11,” US Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Athens, 1997, p. 755.
[46] W. B. Samuels, R. Bahadur, M. Monteith, D. Amstutz, J. Pickus, K. Parker and D. Ryan, “NHD, RiverSpill and the Development of the Incident Command Tool for Drinking Water Protection (ICWater),” Water Resources Impact, Vol. 8, No. 2, 2006, pp. 15-18.
[47] J. P. Paul and J. A. Nocito, “Numerical Model for Three-Dimensional Variable Density Hydrodynamic Flows, Documentation of the Computer Program,” US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, 1985.
[48] J. P. Paul and J. A. Nocito, “Numerical Model for Three-Dimensional Variable Density Hydrodynamic Flows, Documentation of the Computer Program,” US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, 1989.
[49] K. W. Hess, “MECCA Programs Documentation,” NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 46, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington DC, 1989.
[50] Danish Hydraulic Institute, “MIKE 11 Reference Manual, Appendix A. Scientific Background,” Danish Hydraulic Institute, Horsholm, 2001.
[51] Danish Hydraulic Institute, “MIKE 3 FM, User Guide and Reference Manual,” Danish Hydraulic Institute, Horsholm, 2003.
[52] Danish Hydraulic Institute, “MIKE 21Flow Model, Hydrodynamic Module, User Guide,” Danish Hydraulic Institute, Horsholm, 2007.
[53] Danish Hydraulic Institute, “MIKE-SHE Volume I User Guide, User Guide,” Danish Hydraulic Institute, Horsholm, 2007.
[54] D. R. F. Harleman, J. E. Dailey, M. L. Thatcher, T. O. Najarian, D. N. Brocard and R. A. Ferrara, “User’s Manual for the MIT. Transient Water Quality Network Model Including Nitrogen Cycle Dynamics for Rivers and Estuaries,” EPA-600/3-77-010, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, 1977.
[55] N. D. Katopodes and T. Strelkoff, “Two-Dimensional Shallow Wave Models,” Journal of Engineering Me- chanics (ASCE), Vol. 105(EM2), 1979, pp. 317-114.
[56] N. D. Katopodes, “A Dissipative Galerkin Scheme for Open Channel Flow,” Journal of Engineering Me- chanics (ASCE), Vol. 110(HY4), 1984, pp. 450-466.
[57] N. D. Katopodes, “Two-Dimensional Surges and Shocks in Open Channels,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE), Vol. 110, No. 6, 1984, pp. 794-812. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1984)110:6(794)
[58] R. L. Runkel, “One-Dimensional Transport with Equilibrium Chemistry (OTEQ): A Reactive Transport Model for Streams and Rivers,” US Geological Survey, Reston, 2010, p. 101.
[59] R. L. Runkel, “One-Dimensional Transport with Inflow and Storage (OTIS): A Solute Transport Model for Streams and Rivers,” US Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 98-4018, Reston,1998, p. 73.
[60] G. H. Leavesley, R. W. Lichty, B. M. Troutman and L. G. Saindon, “Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System: User’s Manual,” US Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4238, Reston,1983, p. 207.
[61] S. C. Chapra, G. J. Pelletier and H. Tao, “QUAL2K: A Modeling Framework for Simulating River and Stream Water Quality, Version 2.07: Documentation and Users Manual,” Tufts University, Medford, 2007.
[62] P. Shanahan, M. Henze, L. Koncsos, W. Rauch, P. Reichert, L. Somlyódy and P. Vanrolleghem, “River Water Quality Modeling: II. Problems of the Art,” IAWQ Biennial International Conference, Vancouver, 21-26 June 1998.
[63] D. Mackay, S. Paterson and M. Joy, “A Quantitative Water, Air, Sediment Interaction (QWASI) Fugacity Model for Describing the Fate of Chemicals in Rivers,” Chemosphere, Vol. 12, No. 9-10, 1983, pp. 1193-1208. doi:10.1016/0045-6535(83)90125-X
[64] I. P. King, “A Finite Element Model for Three Dimensional Flow, RMA 9150,” US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1982.
[65] J. M. Boyer, S. C. Chapra, C. E. Ruiz and M. S. Dortch, “RECOVERY, a Mathematical Model to Predict the Temporal Response of Surface Water to Contaminated Sediment. Technical Report. W-94-4,” US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1994, p. 61.
[66] E. Z. Hosseinipour and J. L. Martin, “RIVMOD, a One-Dimensional Hydrodynamic and Sediment Transport Model, Model Theory and User’s Manual,” AScI Corporation at USEPA, Athens, 1992, p. 55.
[67] A. F. Shchepetkin and J. C. McWilliams, “The Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS): A Split-Explicit, Free-Surface, Topography-Following-Coordinate Oceanic Model,” Ocean Modeling, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2005, pp. 347-404. doi:10.1016/j.ocemod.2004.08.002
[68] J. V. Letter Jr., L. C. Roig, B. P. Donnel, W. A. Thomas, W. H. McAnally and S. A. Adamec Jr., “Users Manual for SED2D-WES Version 4.3 Beta, a Generalized Computer Program for Two-dimensional, Vertically Averaged Sediment Transport,” US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station Coastal Hydraulics Laboratory, Vicksburg, 1998.
[69] C. D. Knightes, “Development and Test Application of a Screening-Level Mercury Fate Model and Tool for Evaluating Wildlife Exposure Risk for Surface Waters with Mercury-Contaminated Sediments (SERAFM),” Environmental Modeling& Software, Vol. 23, No. 4, 2007, pp. 495-510. doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2007.07.002
[70] C. K. Ziegler and B. S. Nisbet, “Long-Term Simulation of Fine-Grained Sediment Transport in Large Reservoirs,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE), Vol. 121, No. 1, 1995, pp. 773-781. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1995)121:11(773)
[71] C. K. Ziegler and B. S. Nisbet, “Fine Grained Sediment Transport in Pawtuxet River, Rhode Island,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE), Vol. 120, No. 5, 1994, pp. 561-576. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1994)120:5(561)
[72] Y. Onishi and S. E. Wise, “Mathematical Model SERATRA, for Sediment-Contaminant Transport in Rivers and Its Application to Pesticide Transport in Four Mile and Wolf Creeks in Iowa. EPA/600/3-82/045,” US Environ- mental Protection Agency, Athens, 1982.
[73] Applied Science Associates, “System for Hazard Assessment of Released Chemicals, Version 1.0.0 User Guide,” Applied Science Associates, South Kingston, 2009.
[74] SMS, 2012. http://www.scisoftware.com/environmental_software/detailed_description.php?products_id=119
[75] J. J. Leenderste, “Aspects of a Computational Model for Long-Period Water-Wave Propagation, Memorandum Report No. RM-5294-PR,” US Air Force Project RAND, Rand Corp., Santa Monica, 1967.
[76] J. J. Leenderste, “A Water Quality Simulation Model for Well Mixed Estuaries and Coastal Seas: Vol. 1, Principles of Computation, Report No. RM-6230-RC,” Rand Corp., Santa Monica, 1970.
[77] J. J. Leenderste, “Aspects of SIMSYS2D, a System for Two-Dimensional Flow Computation, Report No. R-3572-USGS,” Rand Corp., Santa Monica, 1987.
[78] L. A. Rossman, “Storm Water Management Model User’s Manual Version 5.0. EPA/600/R-05/040,” US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, 2010. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/wq/models/swmm/epaswmm5_user_manual.pdf
[79] R. T. Cheng, V. Casulli and J. W. Gartner, “Tidal, Residual, Intertidal Mudflat (TRIM) Model and Its Applications to San Francisco Bay, California,” Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, Vol. 36, No. 3, 1993, pp. 235-280. doi:10.1006/ecss.1993.1016
[80] R. B. Ambrose Jr., T. A. Wool and J. L. Martin, “The Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program, WASP5, Part A: Model Documentation,” US Environmental Protection Agency Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling, Athens, 1993.
[81] R. B. Ambrose Jr., T. A. Wool and J. L. Martin, “The Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program, WASP5, Part B: Model Documentation,” US Environmental Protection Agency Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling, Athens, 1993.
[82] R. A. Schmalz, “User Guide for WIFM-SAL: A Two-Dimensional Vertically Integrated, Time Varying Estuarine Transport Model,” US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, 1985.
[83] Applied Science Associates, “WQMap User Manual, Version 5.0,” Applied Science Associates, South Kingston, 2004,
[84] WERF, “Water Quality Models: A Survey and Assessment,” WERF Project#99-WSM-5, South Kingston,2001.
[85] NAP, “Assessing the TMDL Approach to Water Quality Management, Page 69,” National Academy Press, Washington DC, 2001. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10146.html
[86] US EPA, “Selection Criteria for Mathematical Models Used in Exposure Assessments: Surface Water Models,” US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC, 1987. http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=30001GJB.txt

Copyright © 2024 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

Creative Commons License

This work and the related PDF file are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.