GIS based pollution load assessment by using the load model | |
| Author | Alvi, Muhammad Khalid Pervez |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.WM-98-01 |
| Subject(s) | Geographic information systems Water quality management |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. WM-98-01 |
| Abstract | The goal of this research was the assessment of pollution loads which are generated from both point and non-point sources and transported to the river, with the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) as a powerful tool. Most existing water quality models concentrate on biological and chemical processes that take place in water bodies once the pollutants have reached these without taking into account how the loads originated on the land and how the decay and routing affect the receiving body. Geographical Information System provide an extensive approach to evaluate land use and other mapping characteristics that explain the spatial distribution of non point and point sources of contamination. Linking the spatial data from the land to the water quality modeling allows examining both the cause and effect processes. A simple method to assess non-point and point sources of pollution has been developed by VKI (an independent research and development consultancy organization affiliated to the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences) for integrating GIS, databases, as well as transport and decay of pollutants in a watershed. The output from the model can be linked to an existing water quality model (MIKE 11 ). The GIS/model linkage provides a powerful support tool for environmental decision making. The LOAD model developed by VKI uses a simple method to assess non-point and point sources of pollution. The model uses a graphic user interface linked to the Arc View GIS environment. The GIS based LOAD model provides an extensive approach to evaluate land use and other mapping characteristics that explain the spatial distribution of non-point and point sources of contamination. In this research Li River Basin, which is one of the tributaries of the Ping River Basin, is selected as a study area in Thailand. The LOAD model using Arc View 3.1 with the Spatial Analyst Extension is used for the assessment of the pollutants. With a digital elevation model (DEM) of the watershed a flow direction network is generated and thereafter the downstream values of average annual pollutant loads is determined. Transport and decay of pollutants through the watershed in this model is taken as a first order decay process. The decay of the pollutants is assumed to depend on the distance from each cell to the nearest downstream point in the river. The strength of the GIS based LOAD model lies in its simplicity, flexibility, and its data analysis capabilities, and it is easy to use if the GIS is well organized. |
| Year | 1999 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. WM-98-01 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Water Engineering and Management (WM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Gupta, Ashim Das; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Madsen, Karl Iver Dahl;Sutat Weesakul; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Germany; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999 |