Author(s): Sangung Lee; Jaeyeon Lim; Bu Geon Jo; Young Do Kim

Linked Author(s): Young C. Kim, YongDo Kim

Keywords: Climate change simulation water quality management

Abstract: Traditional Water Quality Indices (WQIs) often overlook the critical role of flow velocity in influencing water quality, particularly under diverse hydrological conditions. In this research, an Integrated Water Quality Index (IWQI) was created by incorporating both water quality parameters and flow rate, offering a more holistic evaluation under varying flow scenarios. Unlike traditional indices, the IWQI exhibited slightly weaker correlations with individual parameter performance but proved effective in assessing water quality changes linked to flow variations. Key parameters such as Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Coliforms (TC), and Fecal Coliforms (FC), which are prominent pollutants in the Cheongmi River, had a significant impact on IWQI scores. Using simulated input data under a climate change scenario, river water quality was assessed. During periods of high precipitation, IWQI scores remained relatively stable despite reduced flow rates. However, under limited rainfall conditions, water quality deteriorated markedly. While most general water quality parameters experienced around a 10% change as flow decreased, TC and FC demonstrated sharper declines, with changes ranging between 20% and 60%. These results highlight the critical need to manage TC and FC, especially when low rainfall is anticipated, as they represent primary pollution sources.

DOI:

Year: 2025