Hydrological and associated pollution load simulation and estimation for the Three Gorges Reservoir of China

This study demonstrates an integrated study by coupling a NPS pollution load estimation sub-model with a distributed hydrological model to simulate the hydrological processes and associated pollution load processes in the Three Gorges (TG) Reservoir which is the largest water conservancy project in China, and further estimates the pollution loads and their responses to rainfall changes. The distributed hydrological model Easy Distributed Hydrological Model (EasyDHM) is featured as containing easy rain-runoff generation processes, comprehensive pre-process and post-process modules. Based on EasyDHM, this study develops a NPS pollution load estimation sub-model Easy Distributed Non-Point source evaluation sub-model taking both point source (PS) and NPS pollution into consideration. Through the application of the models in the TG area, this study clarifies the mechanism and characteristics of NPS pollution and estimates the pollution loads in the region. This study could provide technical support for the establishment of Best Management Practices for NPS pollution in the region, and references for the government during the processes of formulating and implementing decision-makings on pollution control and comprehensive management in the TG area.