WWRC 87-17
Probability Distribution for Critical DO Location in Streams
Abstract
Identifying the critical location in a stream environment system plays an important role in
regulating and monitoring water quality. The critical location is defined as the point of
maximum dissolved oxygen deficit within any reach of stream. It is at this location that the
threat to the health of the aquatic biota is most severe. Unfortunately, due to the existence of
random processes and parameter uncertainties within actual stream conditions, the critical
location cannot always be determined with certainty. In recognizing the importance of
identifying such a position, this paper attempts to assess the appropriateness of using some of
the more common probability distributions to describe the random characteristics of the
critical location in a stochastic stream environment. The results from such an assessment
could enable one to estimate useful properties of the random critical location such as
confidence interval information and the mode of its location. It is believed that this
information would have important implications in managing and monitoring stream water
quality.
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