The recent increase in algal bloom in stagnant water areas, especially the proliferation of blue-green algae, may lead to by-products such as toxic or tastes and odors that could disrupt the water supply. The most well-known taste and odor compounds (...
The recent increase in algal bloom in stagnant water areas, especially the proliferation of blue-green algae, may lead to by-products such as toxic or tastes and odors that could disrupt the water supply. The most well-known taste and odor compounds (T&Os) are 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) and trans-1,10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol (geosmin), both of which can be detected by humans even when they are in extremely low concentrations (10 ng/L or below), thereby implying an urgent need to develop a technique for predicting these compounds. In this study, two/three-dimensional (2/3D) models were used to reflect the complex physical characteristics of shallow lentic waterbodies to establish a modeling technique that predicts the algae and T&Os they produce. To analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of water quality, algae, and T&Os, and to apply the data to the modeling, field investigation and modeling using the 2D CE-QUAL-W2, 3D estuary, lake, and coastal ocean model (ELCOM) and the computational aquatic ecosystem dynamic model (CAEDYM) were simultaneously carried out. The target areas were Jinyang Reservoir, three dams on the North Han River (Euiam, Cheongpyeong and Paldang Dam), and eight weirs on the Nakdong River (Sangju, Nakdan, Gumi, Chilgok, Gangjeong Goryeong, Dalseong, Hapcheon Changnyeong and Changnyeong Haman Weir). Modeling results demonstrated that the models had appropriately reproduced the actual algae and T&Os in all reservoirs and regulated river, and realistically described the physical parameters of the T&Os and their effects on water quality. Applying modeling to the prediction technique is likely to allow efficient future management of raw water and operation of dams and weirs. Further, a high-resolution hydrodynamic-water quality-ecological model was used to assess the spatiotemporal water quality and behavior of algae, targeting areas of the Hapcheon Changnyeong Weir in the Nakdong River, the Seungchon Weir in the Yeongsan River, and Gyeongin-Ara Waterway (GAW), an artificial waterway. A dynamic analysis was carried out to determine the correlations among flow rate, retention time, and nutrients distribution. The findings led to potential solutions to address the formation of stagnant water areas in specific locations and the management of multifunctional weirs. GAW exhibits complex hydrodynamic characteristics as it is a point at which the flows of fresh water and sea water converge. Moreover, as an artificial waterway, its water quality and fish ecology also display highly unique characteristics. A sophisticated 2D model with respect to the water level was applied to successfully simulate the water movement in GAW and the hypoxic phenomenon during the summer season; based on the results, the fish habitats were quantified according to the volumetric rate. The modeling technique used in this study was determined to be readily applicable to shallow lentic waterbodies, and will prove useful in the efficient and scientific management of water quality and ecology in future.