Assessment of Water Quality Monitoring Sites by an Optimization Method

by Nilgun B. Harmancioglu,
Cem Polat Centinkaya,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: World Water & Environmental Resources Congress 2003

Abstract:

Allocation of sampling sites is the initial and the most crucial step of the water quality monitoring network design and redesign process. Several different approaches have been used within the last 20-30 years in the selection of sampling sites. A review of these investigations and practices shows that the establishment of a multi-site monitoring network is still a controversial issue requiring further research. As yet, there are no standard design procedures to accomplish such a network. Often, one has to refer to subjective judgments and assumptions in making his selection of sampling sites. However, there are some scientific methods which may help to minimize the subjective aspects of design. This paper examines the application of an optimization method that can be used to assess an existing water quality monitoring network with respect to its sampling sites. The method uses dynamic programming to evaluate the reduction of the number of sampling sites in a basin with respect to different monitoring objectives. The methodology is demonstrated in the case of the Gediz River basin in western Turkey.

Subject Headings: Water quality | Site investigation | Water sampling | Quality control | Optimization models | Basins | Standards and codes | Turkey | Asia | Middle East

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