Methodologies for the water quality and eutrophication potential Article

Methodologies for the water quality and eutrophication potential assessment in Lakes (Melen Reservoir) and application of water quality models (WASP, PAMOLARE) - Article Example The quantitative nature of assessment refers to the precise information on different pollutant parameters , usually undertaken based on detailed sampling followed by laboratory analysis (Mantas et al, n.d.). The quantitative investigations on water quality is assessed on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water. The physical parameters refers to those assessed by physical means like visual appeal, odour and taste. The high turbidity, mixing with colored wastewater, high water temperature, odour generated from the dead and decayed matter are some of the changes that are noticed through physical means. But chemicals parameters are those that require detailed chemical analysis to understand the characteristics. The dissolved oxygen that measures the amount of oxygen molecules present in the dissolved state , biochemical oxygen demand to give the measure of organic impurities in water, nutrients like nitrates and phosphates are the major chemical parameters that mus t be monitored continuously. The bacteriological quality refers to the various biological organisms that are present in water like phytoplankton, bacteria, protozoa and variety of small plants. In the case of lakes and reservoirs, high influx of nutrients into the water body results in the indiscriminate growth of green plants like phytoplankton and small sized floating weeds termed as eutrophication. In order to estimate the long term impact of the current pollution trends on the water quality , model and simulation studies become very essential. The models usually proposed are theoretical models, empirical models or statistical models. They are very essential to understand the changes in the water quality of streams and hence to propose appropriate means for the restoration methods. The mechanisms behind the fate and transport of contaminants/pollutants are mostly based on mass balance calculations that incorporates different processes