We have collected data from a river and we are trying to map the findings and calculate the level of pollution for the river. We collected and analysed water samples from fixed small interval (20km) for the river. Now we have data like BOD, COD, DO, water Colouration, heavy metals and some other physical properties.
GIS is a great way to spatially plot water quality sample locations and perhaps include data trends. For each location, you can have various tables of data or water quality attributes. The location of the sites visually will help make sense of what you have worked so hard to obtain. There are quite a few thing to understand, so some sense can be made of water quality grab samples. If you dont have any streamflow or water level data, or stream gauging stations perhaps days since significant rain may help. Many water quality items are not only related to pollutants, but also streamflow as well as channel substrate, management practices (e.g., BMPs), etc. On your GIS, also good if you have land use, point sources of pollution, and topography (DEM). Some pollutants may be adsorbed to sediments. Of course you will want to report your findings, but dont feel bad if there are not some remaining questions, or even an indication more directed data collections are needed. Collaboration with hydrologist may help review, refine or redirect the analysis.
I agree with William Anand. GIS is a powerful visualisation tool and very useful for your needs.
It is possible to supplement the approach using output(s) from water quality modelling software tools such as those in the attached links.
Also attached is A Review of Surface Water Quality Models
Regards, John
http://www.wrcplc.co.uk/water-quality-modelling
https://www.mikepoweredbydhi.com/products/mike-hydro-river/water-quality
http://www.scisoftware.com/environmental_software/index.php?cPath=22_55
IF you have the landuse, river networks etc. GIS data, MONERIS is recommended as an useful and easier applied model for water qualities, compared with SWAT.
Dear Anand,
there are many software that you can use in order to model and map river pollution such as WEAP, WASP, Mike 11, Qual2E or Qual2k, SCIMAP etc. The best ways to map it spatially is by using a GIS software just as William wrote.
Dear All,
Thank you so much for giving your valuable comments.
Regards
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