Model Library

Small Stream Hydro-Biogeochemistry Simulator (SSHBS)

Model name: Small Stream Hydro-Biogeochemistry Simulator (SSHBS)

Developed by: Dr. Laurence Lin and his collaborators (Last update: 2022)

Model type: Continuously simulation, process-based, hydro-biogeochemical, stream reach model

History: SSHBS was an extended model from those of Lin et al. (2016) and Webster et al. (2016)

Computational requirements: SSHBS is fully written in R.

Software requirements: GIS: N/A

Link to download model

Capabilities and Limitations:

Capabilities

  • SSHBS can continuously simulate over a range of hydroclimatic conditions in restored and unrestored stream reaches (Lin et al., 2021);
  • SSHBS simulates biogeochemical cycling and transport processes across fluvial geomorphic features (Lin et al., 2021);
  • It incorporates biological processes like algal uptake and denitrification (Lin et al., 2021).

Limitations

  • Currently, only one study has been found that applies the SSHBS model to real study area;
  • Currently, SSHBS denitrification rate is a generalized empirical rate which is sensitive to nitrate concentrations and temperature (Kemp and Dodds, 2002, Mulholland et al., 2008, Lin et al., 2021);
  • There are other factors that can influence the actual rate that is not explicitly modeled in SSHBS (Lin et al., 2021), e.g., available carbon sources (Arango et al., 2007; Opdyke and David, 2007; Duan et al., 2019), redox/anaerobic/pH condition (Christensen et al., 1990; Mulholland et al., 2004; Payn et al., 2014), and level of microbial activity (Torbert and Wood, 1992; Strauss and Lamberti, 2002).

Model Inputs and Outputs: 

Inputs

Cross-sectional geomorphology, Channel slope, Riparian gradient, Discharge, Water depth, Water quality data (optional)

Outputs

SSHBS can continuously simulate nutrient spiraling, nutrient export, and instream gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER).

Example:

Reference

Lin, L., Reisinger, A. J., Rosi, E. J., Groffman, P. M., & Band, L. E. (2021). Evaluating instream restoration effectiveness in reducing nitrogen export from an urban catchment with a data-model approach. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 57(3), 449–473. https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.12922

Objective

The major objective is to demonstrate the use of a coupled data and process modeling-based approach to understand nutrient cycling and retention for restored and unrestored urban streams, which extend low flow measurements of stream metabolism and nutrient retention to a full discharge and nutrient loading regime.