Water quality modelling of the western Scheldt estuary

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 366; no. 1-3; pp. 129 - 142
• Main Authors: Ouboter, MRL, van Eck, BTM, van Gils, JAG, Sweerts, J P, Villars, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-01-1998
• Subjects: ANE, Belgium, Schelde Estuary
• ISSN: 0018-8158

The aims of the SAWES (Systems Analysis Western Scheldt) project are discussed, the objective being to develop a management programme for water quality in the Scheldt estuary. This involved a study of the interactions between pollutant inputs and the aquatic ecosystem. In this connection, a water quality model for the estuary was constructed and was expanded in 1995 to take in the Belgian coastal region at the mouth of the estuary. The model calculates the fate of discharged chemicals and expresses the relations between pollutant inputs and the ensuing water quality, with reference to dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, major ionic species and nutrients. The model incorporates all relevant chemical and biological processes, including the precipitation/dissolution of metal sulphides which largely control the fate of trace metals. The results of calibration and verification exercises are reported and the possible applications in the context of water quality management and the dredging of sediments are discussed.