A model to study the effects of time-variable pollutant loads on stream quality

A deterministic computer model has been proposed to study the effects of discharges from combined sewer drainage areas on receiving bodies of water. The model provides capability for studying the effects of varying treatment plant capacity, interceptor sewer capacity and storage on stream quality. The operating parameters for the storage vessel are defined in detail. A cost function for all system components is included in the model.

The variation of total mass phosphate discharge, peak instantaneous phosphate concentration and cost with the variation of the various system parameters is reported for a series of model runs on three drainage areas.