Simulation models for conservative and nonconservative solute transport in streams

by
Robert L. Runkel

United States Geological Survey, Water Resource Division.

Abstract

Solute transport in streams is governed by a suite of hydrologic and chemical processes. Interactions between hydrologic processes and chemical reactions may be quantified through a combination of field-scale experimentation and simulation modeling. Two mathematical models that are used to simulate conservative and nonconservative solute transport in streams are presented here. A model for conservative solutes that considers One-Dimensional Transport with Inflow and Storage (OTIS) may be used in conjunction with tracer-dilution methods to quantify hydrologic transport processes (advection, dispersion, lateral inflow, and transient storage). For nonconservative solutes, a model known as OTEQ may be used to quantify chemical processes within the context of hydrologic transport. OTEQ combines the transport mechanisms in OTIS with a chemical equilibrium submodel that considers complexation, precipitation/dissolution and sorption. OTEQ has been used to quantify the processes affecting trace metals in two streams in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA.

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Beginning of document
Introduction
Solute Transport Models

• Conservative Transport - OTIS
  
• Nonconservative Transport - OTEQ
  

Software Availability
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