Water quality management by enhancing assimilation capacity with flow augmentation: a case study for the Yamuna River, Delhi

Abstract This paper aims to assess the requirement of load reductions and flow augmentation enhance assimilation yield Yamuna River, Delhi. The framework QUAL2kw was used predict river quality. model calibrated confirmed in critical conditions pre-monsoon periods. Three strategies were established for varying pollutant loads. dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration predicted with changing biochemical demand (BOD) chemical (COD) 16 outfalling drains considered sources between 22 km stretch river. Four cases studied at upstream load. It has been observed that 80 cumecs flow, reach can assimilate 31.33 TPD BOD 142.85 COD load, maintaining desired level DO (≥4 mg/l) (≤3 mg/l).