In this paper, we conduct a systematic analysis of the uncertainty related with estimating the total load of pollution (copper) from a separate stormwater drainage system, conditioned on a specific combination of input data, a dynamic conceptual pollutant accumulation-washout model and measurements (runoff volumes and pollutant masses). We use the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) methodology and generate posterior parameter distributions that result in model outputs encompassing a significant number of the highly variable measurements. Given the applied pollution accumulation-washout model and a total of 57 measurements during one month, the total predicted copper masses can be predicted within a range of ±50% of the median value. The message is that this relatively large uncertainty should be acknowledged in connection with posting statements about micropollutant loads as estimated from dynamic models, even when calibrated with on-site concentration data.
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December 01 2007
How uncertain is model-based prediction of copper loads in stormwater runoff?
E. Lindblom;
*Institute of Environment & Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, DK-2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark (E-mail: eul@er.dtu.dk; psm@er.dtu.dk)
E-mail: eul@er.dtu.dk
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S. Ahlman;
S. Ahlman
**Water Environment Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Göteborg, Sweden (E-mail: stefan.ahlman@chalmers.se)
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P.S. Mikkelsen
P.S. Mikkelsen
*Institute of Environment & Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, DK-2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark (E-mail: eul@er.dtu.dk; psm@er.dtu.dk)
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Water Sci Technol (2007) 56 (11): 65–72.
Citation
E. Lindblom, S. Ahlman, P.S. Mikkelsen; How uncertain is model-based prediction of copper loads in stormwater runoff?. Water Sci Technol 1 December 2007; 56 (11): 65–72. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2007.748
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