Application of mathematical model for forecasting surface water quality: case study of the Kuang River, Lamphun province

Abstract

The Kuang River faced a problem of water quality (Water Quality Index, WQI) being at a deteriorated level since 2016. Therefore, this research was studied to apply the mathematical model i.e., MIKE 11 for forecasting surface water quality and to compare with the results of monitoring water quality in the Kuang River during 2019-2023. The results showed that there are 4 main factors that influenced water quality problems including (1) Water quantity factors, (2) Physical factors of the river, (3) Wastewater factors, and (4) Management factors. Those factors were used as the simulation conditions in MIKE 11. In conclusion, MIKE 11 could be used as a tool to evaluate and to solve problems of the Kuang River in an appropriate, efficient economical, and sustainable way.