Solute transport in open-channel networks in unsteady flow regime

In this paper we propose a robust algorithm to evaluate solute transport in open-channel networks with transient storage under an unsteady flow regime. In the proposed approach, through the integration of junction equations into the model and solving them explicitly, the analysis of solute transport problems in open-channel networks is simplified significantly. Furthermore, when coupled with a transient hydrodynamic open-channel network model for flow simulation, the proposed model can be utilized in the solution of solute transport problems under unsteady flow regimes. In the proposed model, the governing equations are written in a conservative form and are solved using a fractional-step algorithm, which is based on a relaxation and central difference scheme. The proposed algorithm is robust and accurate even for advection dominant cases. A pure advection with discontinuities, a field application and solute transport in an open-channel network in an unsteady flow regime are included, to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.