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River Stream Concentration Calculator

River Concentration Formula:

\[ C_R = \frac{C \times (Q_s + Q_{stream}) - (C_s \times Q_s)}{Q_{stream}} \]

mg/L
m³/s
m³/s
mg/L

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1. What is a River Stream Concentration Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the concentration of a substance in a river stream after sewage discharge mixes with the river water.

Purpose: It helps environmental engineers and water quality professionals assess the impact of wastewater discharge on river water quality.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ C_R = \frac{C \times (Q_s + Q_{stream}) - (C_s \times Q_s)}{Q_{stream}} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the resulting concentration in the river by accounting for the mass balance of the substance before and after mixing.

3. Importance of River Concentration Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation helps ensure compliance with water quality standards, assess environmental impact, and design appropriate wastewater treatment systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters in their respective units. Stream discharge must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What parameters can this calculator be used for?
A: It can calculate concentrations of BOD, DO, nutrients, or any other water quality parameter affected by wastewater discharge.

Q2: Why is stream discharge required to be greater than zero?
A: Division by zero is mathematically undefined. A zero stream discharge would mean no river flow to dilute the sewage.

Q3: What if I get a negative concentration result?
A: The calculator automatically sets negative results to zero as concentrations cannot be negative in reality.

Q4: How do I determine the mixing concentration?
A: Mixing concentration is typically measured downstream of the discharge point after complete mixing has occurred.

Q5: Does this account for natural degradation processes?
A: No, this is a simple mass balance calculation. For decay processes, more complex models are needed.

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