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Comprehensive Performance Evaluation for Hydrological and Nutrients Simulation Using the Hydrological Simulation
Zhaofu Li1, Chuan Luo2, Kaixia Jiang3
1College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. lizhaofu@njau.edu.cn.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 20, 2017
Summary
The Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) model accurately simulates streamflow and nutrient transport in China's Xitiaoxi watershed. This study validates HSPF for hydrological and water quality modeling in monsoon climates.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Water Quality Modeling
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) is a key tool developed by the U.S. EPA for water resource management.
- Mesoscale watersheds in monsoon climates present unique challenges for hydrological and water quality simulations.
- Accurate modeling is crucial for understanding and managing water resources and nutrient pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation of the HSPF model for hydrological and nutrient simulations.
- To assess the model's applicability in the Xitiaoxi watershed, a representative mesoscale watershed in China.
- To provide systematic documentation for the effective application and potential pitfalls of the HSPF model.
Main Methods:
- Streamflow simulation was calibrated (2002-2007) and validated (2008-2010) using daily observed data.
- Nutrient (nitrate, ammonium, orthophosphate) simulation was calibrated and validated using monthly observed data (July 2009-July 2010).
- Model performance was quantitatively evaluated using determination coefficient (R²) and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (Ens).
Main Results:
- Streamflow simulations demonstrated strong performance across annual, monthly, and daily time steps (R²: 0.63-0.87, Ens: 0.65-0.82).
- Nutrient simulations, despite using monthly data, achieved satisfactory results (R²: 0.73-0.92, Ens: 0.67-0.86).
- Identified potential issues affecting HSPF application include input data quality and parameterization.
Conclusions:
- The HSPF model is suitable for simulating streamflow and nutrient transport in mesoscale East Asian monsoon watersheds.
- The study provides valuable insights for the broad application of HSPF, aiding in avoiding potential misuse.
- HSPF offers a reliable framework for water resource and water quality assessments in similar climatic and geographical regions.
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