A MODEL OF THE BEHAVIOR OF pH DETERMINING PARAMETERS IN IMPOUNDMENTS¹

ABSTRACT: A computer model capable of describing the behavior of pH-determining parameters in an impoundment is presented. The steady-state model, based upon principles of water chemistry, applies the complete-mix concept to the routing of the chemical quantities, alkalinity and CO₂ acidity. An iterative procedure is used to account for surface mass transfer of carbon dioxide. A fourth-degree polynomial is solved for the hydrogen ion concentration at each point of routed alkalinity and CO₂ acidity concentrations. Field data required to verify and apply the model are described, including an example application to the Loyalhanna Creek Reservoir.