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Evaluating alternative river management options in the tidal Ouse using the QUESTS1D model
1Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK. tw122@york.ac.uk
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 26, 2006
Summary
This study shows that managing river water quality by using the tidal Ouse
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
- River Ecology
Background:
- The tidal Ouse, part of the Humber river system, is a vital UK freshwater source to the North Sea and fish habitat.
- Summer dissolved oxygen (DO) sag in the tidal Ouse is worsened by industrial effluent from Selby.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate management options for improving tidal Ouse water quality.
- To compare the effectiveness of exploiting river assimilative capacity versus stricter effluent consents.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the QUESTS1D one-dimensional water quality model, employed by the Environment Agency (EA).
- Developed a system of water quality functions for rapid predictions.
Main Results:
- Exploiting the river's spatial assimilative capacity is predicted to significantly improve water quality.
- These improvements are greater than those expected from tightening effluent consents.
Conclusions:
- Integrating river assimilative capacity into policy making is crucial.
- A combined water management framework is recommended for ensuring required water quality.
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