Research & Funding

Dr. Bolisetti has research interests in the areas of water resources management and energy.

Hydrological Modeling

Second-order autoregressive model based likelihood function for calibration and uncertainty analysis of SWAT model

Arpana Rani Datta and Tirupati Bolisetti

Abstract

Second order autoregressive [AR(2)] model has been adopted in the likelihood function to calibrate the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model for the Canard River watershed,Southwestern Ontario, Canada. The Bayesian approach is used for uncertainty analysis of SWAT modeling. The performance of AR(2) model for uncertainty estimation is evaluated by the index called Percentage of observations bracketed by the Unit Confidence Interval (PUCI) for 95% confidence limits. The results are compared with the Simple Least Square (SLS) method of calibration. In the SLS method, the modeling errors are assumed to be uncorrelated. The study reveals that the model parameter uncertainty is high and there exists local optimum values in the parameter space. The reliability of streamflow simulation uncertainty due to parameter uncertainty is increased when AR(2) model is implemented in the calibration process. The comparison of PUCI values between AR(2) method and SLS method show that the estimation of streamflow simulation uncertainty is more reliable in AR(2) model based calibration method. But the lower values of PUCI indicate very high uncertainty in 95% confidence limits estimation. The residuals are observed to have non-normal distribution with non-constant variance. Therefore, appropriate transformation of data might improve the uncertainty estimation. The model structural uncertainty is high for simulating streamflow in the study area during low and high flow periods. Therefore, the study suggests applying separate statistical error models in the likelihood function for representing the modelling errors in low and high flow periods.

Application of variance decomposition approach in the uncertainty analysis of a hydrological model

Arpana Rani Datta and Tirupati Bolisetti

Abstract

Decomposition of uncertainty into individual sources is important for understanding the risks of decisions made under the modelling uncertainty. This paper has applied the predictive uncertainty analysis and variance decomposition (VD) approach for quantifying hydrological modelling uncertainty. The VD analysis is used for quantifying the contribution of various sources of uncertainty to total modelling uncertainty. The goal is to increase the reliability of predictive uncertainty analysis by the inclusion of the results of VD analysis. The approach is evaluated by analyzing uncertainty of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model for a watershed of Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Three uncertainty analyzing frameworks are employed for quantifying modelling uncertainty by both predictive uncertainty analysis and VD approach. The contribution of parameter uncertainty to total error variance is expressed by the percentage of total variance explained by parameter uncertainty and this contribution is quantified for three uncertainty analyzing frameworks. The contributions of other uncertainties excluding model parameters and precipitation uncertainties to total error variance are quantified by applying the VD approach. The results obtained from predictive uncertainty and VD analyses are observed to be consistent. The underlying hypotheses of each uncertainty framework are also verified for the reliability of the uncertainty analysis.

Can. J. Civ. Eng. 40: 373–381 (2013) dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjce-2012-0337

Automated Linear and Nonlinear Reservoir Approaches for Estimating Annual Base Flow

Arpana Rani Datta; Tirupati Bolisetti; and Ram Balachandar

Abstract

Three automated base flow separation techniques based on linear and nonlinear reservoir approaches are used to identify the seasonal variation of base flow and to quantify the annual base flow for three subwatersheds of the Essex region in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Significant differences in annual base flow estimated by linear and nonlinear reservoir algorithms are observed. In the nonlinear reservoir approach, the recession parameter is considered to be a seasonally variable parameter. The nonlinear reservoir approach fits streamflow recession better than the linear reservoir approach. The steeper slopes of seasonal flow duration curves in the 90% to 100% flow exceedance range show that the groundwater contribution to streamflow is relatively small in the study area. The precipitation-streamflow relationships show faster response of base flow during the period of high recharge. All of the methods show similar base flow estimation during the period of high evapotranspiration losses. The nonlinear reservoir approach represents the base flow response to precipitation better than the other methods. Therefore, the annual base flow estimated by the nonlinear reservoir approach is considered as the most reasonable estimation for the formulation of water budget of the study area. The method quantifies the occurrence of average annual baseflow as 34% of average annual streamflow.

DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000450. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.


Climate change impact assessment

Hydrologic modelling to assess the climate change impacts in a Southern Ontario watershed

Masihur Rahman, Tirupati Bolisetti, and Ram Balachandar

Abstract

In Southern Ontario, the Canard River watershed is the largest subwatershed of the Detroit River watershed on the Canadian side. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was implemented in the Canard River Watershed to understand the hydrologic regime and assess the impacts of potential future climate change on the hydrology of the watershed. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated against observed streamflow data. The Nash-Suttcliffe efficiencies of the model for monthly streamflow predictions were 0.81 and 0.83, respectively, during the calibration and validation periods. The LARS-WG, weather generator was employed to generate daily future weather data at local scale using the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM) outputs under SRES A2 scenario for the years 2041 to 2070. It was found from the model results that the average annual streamflow could be increased by 12% compared to that over the base period from 1961 to 1990. The results also indicated that streamflow would be increased significantly in spring and winter, but would be decreased in fall due to the projected future climate change scenarios.

Can. J. Civ. Eng. 39: 91–103 (2012)


Climate change adaptation

Research Title: Sustainable Stormwater Management: Low Impact Development for Urban Climate Change Adaptation


Non-point source pollutant loading modeling

  • Ground Source Heating Systems
  • Evaporation from porous surfaces
  • Applications
  • Chemical Grouting
  • Grout Injection for a barrier

Bridge Pier Scour


Dr. Bolisetti has specialized in hydrological modeling leading to assessment of water budgets on a watershed scale, recharge estimation, groundwater contribution to the streamflows, etc. He has been focusing on how modeling tools can be used for decision making by administrators and decision makers. As part of this effort he has been developing methodologies to identify the uncertainties involved in modeling. Using the research outcomes generated by Dr. Bolisetti’s group, a watershed plan is being developed for the Big Creek watershed of Essex Region. As extension of this work, he has been developing the planning and management models for incorporating the socio-economic factors into the water management.

Dr. Bolisetti has collaborated with an international NGO to evaluate one of the publicly funded irrigation program meant for socially backward class population in southern India. After conducting socio-economic surveys, his research group developed a multicriteria decision model by logically blending hydrologic conditions with socio-economic factors for beneficiary selection in an objective fashion.

Some of the recent efforts of Dr. Bolisetti has resulted in the development of water budget methods for the Essex Region and development of maps of spatial distribution of recharge in the region which in turn was used to develop the plans for water management in the region and formulating policies as part of the Source Protection Program of the Province on Ontario.

Dr. Bolisetti has also been working on how hydrological regime affects the water quality in the streams on the watershed scale. The research outputs generated by Dr. Bolisetti’s group have been used to devise policies for grant applications by farmers meant for supporting the implementation of best management practices to mitigate the water quality in the streams.


Research Team

Students Supervised

Ph.D.

  • Completed: 4
  • In progress: 0

Masters

  • Completed: 32
  • In progress: 2

Undergraduate

  • Completed: 78
  • In progress: 0

Post-doctoral

  • Completed: 3
  • In progress: -

Current Students

  • Masihur Rahman
  • Saranya Jeyalakshmi
  • Rahuk Narula (2021)
  • Tejith Pogakula (2021)
  • Kirankumar Galla (2021)

Past Students

  • Arpana Datta
  • Prashanth Reddy Hanmaiahgari
  • Ahmed, A.M. F. 
  1. Dorcas Appiah (2020) Asset management of stornwater infrastructure in Windsor
  2. Israt Jahan (2020) Modeling nutrient and sediment loading from the subwatersheds of the Lake St Clair
  3. Monika Saha (2020) Modeling flood risk assessment in the subwatersheds of Lake St Clair
  4. Hani Pakhoonejad (2020) Simulation of U-tube and coaxial GHEs
  5. Saman Kazemi (2019) Profile modification for enhanced oil recovery
  6. Afanur Talukder (2019) Integrated watershed modeling
  7. Zach McPhee (2018) Optimization of LIDs in urban sewershed
  8. Bruno Paini (2018) Evaporation from porous media (Internship)
  9. David Gordon (2017) Experimental study in ground source heating system
  10. Sachith Jayasuriya (2017) experimental study on rehabilitation of corroded pipes
  11. Sahan Jayasuriya (2017) Experimental study on corroded steel beams rehabilitated using BFRP warp
  12. Rafal Marynowski (2016) Evaporation from porous media
  13. Kyle Eckart (2015)  Effect of climate change on urban water infrastructure
  14. Chris Cvetkovic (2014) On the effect of the Dean number versus the Reynolds number on heat transfer in pipe flow
  15. Mohammad Jahan (2014) Parametric analysis of bridge pier scour
  16. Baldhir Singh (2014)  Modeling microorganism transport on a watershed scale
  17. Sebastian Tejada (2014) Effects of blockage and relative coarseness on clear water bridge scour
  18. Priscilla Williams (2014) Boundary effects on bridge pier scour
  19. Carlo D'Alessandro (2013) Effect of Blockage on Cylindrical Bridge Pier Local Scour
  20. Holly Lafontaine (2012) Integrated Decision Making Tool for Rural Irrigation Applications: A Case in Southern India
  21. Ian Wilson (2011) Modelling of Hydrological and Non-Point Source Pollution Regimes in Big Creek Watershed
  22. Anoop Naik (2009) Analysis of historical surface water quality data of teh Essex Region Watersheds
  23. Ben Hodi (2009) Effect of Blockage and Densimetric Froude Number on Circular Bridge Pier Local Scour
  24. Mubajjal Yunis (2008) Assessment of geothermal systems
  25. Masihur Rahman (2007) Hydrologic modelling of the Canard River watershed
  26. Chitral Jayasuriya (2007) Non-point source pollution modeling for Muddy Creek watershed
  1. Arpana Balachandar (2019) Investigations of processes of skin cancer
  2. Qunton Velcic (2019) Design of stromwater facilities for St. Bernard site
  3. Ming Liu (2019) Design of stromwater facilities for St. Bernard site
  4. Eri Macmilan (2019) Design of stromwater facilities for St. Bernard site
  5. Thomas Gerrish (2019) Design of stromwater facilities for St. Bernard site
  6. Jagroop Doad (2018) Mathematical modeling of cancer tumor
  7. Hannah Gauthier (2018) Design of phosphorous reduction technologies for Medway Creek
  8. Michael Marazita (2018) Design of phosphorous reduction technologies for Medway Creek
  9. Sumaya Habiba (2018) Design of phosphorous reduction technologies for Medway Creek
  10. Ryan Francis (2018) Design of phosphorous reduction technologies for Medway Creek
  11. Rachel Muir (2017) Design of river bank erosion protection structures
  12. Karla Gorospe (2017) Design of river bank erosion protection structures
  13. Anne Baker (2017) Design of river bank erosion protection structures
  14. Lauren Ramirez (2017) Design of river bank erosion protection structures
  15. Mike Khadim (2017) Design of river bank erosion protection structures
  16. Kwami Afrani (2017) Design of river bank erosion protection structures
  17. Marissa Minicilli (2017) Asset management
  18. Katie Gaffney (2017) Asset management
  19. Ian Tenhaaf (2017) Asset management
  20. Daniel Brito (2017) Asset management
  21. Chrissy Ure (2017) Stormwater management and low impact development
  22. James Park (2017) Stormwater management and low impact development
  23. Lina Florian Rodriguez (2017) Stormwater management and low impact development
  24. Shannon Deehan (2017) Stormwater management and low impact development
  25. Dhafer Alnajrani (2016) Design of stormwater management facilities and low impact design alternatives in a subdivision Windsor
  26. Anas Abdulghani (2016) Design of stormwater management facilities and low impact design alternatives in a subdivision Windsor
  27. Mohanad Al-Allo (2016) Design of stormwater management facilities and low impact design alternatives in a subdivision Windsor
  28. Bilal Shamsaldin (2016) Design of stormwater management facilities and low impact design alternatives in a subdivision Windsor
  29. Griffin Ceci-Laws (2016) Design of LIDs Windsor
  30. Jonathan Bolano (2016) Design of LIDs Windsor
  31. Chris Mullin (2016) Design of LIDs Windsor
  32. Dalton Duivenvoorden (2016) Design of LIDs Windsor
  33. Sai Praneeth Mupparapu (2015) Modeling of Geothermal Heat Exchanger
  34. Turgut Yenilmez (2015) Rehabilitation of culvert over Lebo Creek on County Road 34
  35. Mathew Schaefer Rehabilitation of culvert over Lebo Creek on County Road 34
  36. Jonathan Hollohan (2015) Rehabilitation of culvert over Lebo Creek on County Road 34
  37. Sachith Jayasuriya (2015) Rehabilitation of culvert over Lebo Creek on County Road 34
  38. Ari Abdul Majeed (2015) Rehabilitation of culvert over Lebo Creek on County Road 34
  39. Vincenzo Bonfa (2015) Design of ground source heating system for a greenhouse
  40. Stephanie Shaw (2014) Upgrading stormwater management facilities in the Lake Simcoe watershed
  41. Shibin Panickera (2014) Upgrading stormwater management facilities in the Lake Simcoe watershed
  42. Ahmad Rizal Hajjar (2014) Upgrading stormwater management facilities in the Lake Simcoe watershed
  43. Yanting Liu (2014) Upgrading stormwater management facilities in the Lake Simcoe watershed
  44. David Gordon (2014) Design of ground source heating system for a greenhouse
  45. Jason Dupuis (2014) Design of ground source heating system for a greenhouse
  46. Goran Arnaut (2014) Design of ground source heating system for a greenhouse
  47. Craig Taylor (2012), Stormwater Management System
  48. Jakub Malek (2012), Design of Flood Mitigation Structures for Pike Creek
  49. Janelle Bastien (2012), Stormwater Management System 
  50. Justin Doyle (2012), Stormwater Management System 
  51. Laura Mann (2012), Stormwater Management System
  52. Mike Coombs (2012), Design of Flood Mitigation Structures for Pike Creek
  53. Patrick Muzyka (2012), Design of Flood Mitigation Structures for Pike Creek
  54. Kyle Eckart (2011), Climate change impact studies on hydrology
  55. Chris Babic (2011), Efficient stream crosssection and bank protection
  56. Eric Brisebois  (2011), Efficient stream crosssection and bank protection
  57. Mike Todd (2011), Efficient stream crosssection and bank protection
  58. Sahand Yousefi (2011), Efficient stream crosssection and bank protection 
  59. Neeraj Kumar  (2011), Impact of climate change on the hydrology in Little River watershed
  60. Adam Acowski (2010), GPGPU applications in groundwater modeling
  61. Priyanka Joshi (2010), Exploratory Studies on Renewable Energies & Energy Conservation for CEI
  62. Venkata Vegi (2010), Economic analysis of ground source heat systems
  63. Adinda Van Espen (2010), Statistical analysis of hydrological data
  64. Rob Perissinotti (2010), Exploratory studies on the feasibility of Ground Source Heating
  65. Matthew Kachler (2010), Design of a groundwater remediation plan for Woburn, Massachussetts
  66. Mike Reaume (2010), Design of a groundwater remediation plan for Woburn, Massachussetts
  67. Adinda Van Espen (2010), Laboratory studies on the effect of seepage on scour
  68. Jamie Smith (2009), Laboratory studies on the effect of waves on the scour
  69. Bryan Boutilier (2009), CEI green-roof and related storm water management systems
  70. Ian Wilson (2009), CEI green-roof and related storm water management systems
  71. Steven Brignall (2009), CEI green-roof and related storm water management systems
  72. Steven Tse (2009), CEI green-roof and related storm water management systems
  73. James Bryant (2008), Chelsea Park Development, Town of Lakeshore
  74. Justin Philpott (2008), Chelsea Park Development, Town of Lakeshore
  75. Richard Marchand (2008), Chelsea Park Development, Town of Lakeshore
  76. Laura Di Ponio (2007), Best Management Practices for Stormwater management
  77. Luis Paico (2007), Best Management Practices for Stormwater management
  78. Matt Ray (2007), Best Management practices for Stormwater management

Funding Support

2013 – 2014

Enhancing geothermal heat pump performance (Ontario Center of Excellence (OCE) - $65,125; Co-PI: Dr. D. Ting)

2012 – 2013

Enhanced thermal management in geothermal heat/cold management (Ontario Center of Excellence (OCE) - $63,560; Co-PI: Dr. D. Ting)

2012 – 2013

Acquiring Rheometer (NSERC RTI Grant – $12,105; Co-PI: Dr. R.Balachandar) 

2011 – 2012

High-Resolution Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (NSERC RTI Grant – 12,150; Co-PI: Dr. R. Balachandar)

2011 – 2011

Sustainable water resources management on a watershed scale considering the impacts of climate change (MITACS Global Intern - $8,000; paid to the student intern)

2009 – 2014 

Experimental and numerical investigations on chemical grouting into heterogeneous porous media (NSERC Discovery Grant - $105, 000)

2009 – 2010

Big Creek Watershed Assessment (Essex Region Conservation Authority - $33,000)

2009 – 2010

Development of Point of Use Water Disinfection Systems for Rural Areas in Developing Countries (IDRET, Windsor - $2,000)

2009 – 2009

Watershed Modeling in Big Creek Watershed (MITACS - $15, 000)

2008 – 2009

Tier I Water Budget for Essex Region (Essex Region Conservation Authority - $83,500)

2008 – 2009

Replacement of the New Wave Research Solo PIV Nd:YAG Laser (NSERC RTI Grant – $34,245; Co-PIs: Dr. R. Balachandar and Dr. R. Barron)

2007 – 2009

Integrated Water Management in Tribal Areas of Mysore District, India (IDRET, Windsor - $2,000)

2009 – 2009

Big Creek Watershed Study (Environment Canada - $5,000)

2006 – 2007 

Hydrological and Non-point Source Pollution Modeling in Canard River and Muddy Creek Watersheds (Essex Region Conservation Authority - $28,000)

2007 – 2007

Travel grant for Conference on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (CTL, U of Windsor - $1,200)


Completed Studies

Studies to predict the impact on groundwater due to long-term application of treated effluent on land at NFL, Vijaypur, Guna Dist., Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) - Can $30,000

Role

  • Formulated the project and identified scope of work
  • Designed and implemented field surveys and monitoring programs
  • Analyzed of aquifer set up and groundwater quality
  • Assessed the present conditions and predicted the probable future impacts on groundwaterthrough mathematical modeling(SUTRA) studies

Benefit

  • Enabled the client obtaining clearance for the expansion project from Min. of Environment

Groundwater quality studies for Environmental Impact Assessment for Reliance Petroleum Ltd., Jamnagar, Gujarat - Can $5,000

Role

  • Implemented field surveys and monitoring programs
  • Delineated aquifer set up and analysed groundwater quality
  • Generated scenarios on the probable future impact on groundwater through mathematical modeling studies(MOC)

Benefit

  • Enabled the client obtaining clearance for the expansion project from Min.of Environment

Groundwater quality studies for Environmental Impact Assessment of proposed hazardous waste disposal site at i) Mannelure, ii) Siruseri, Tamilnadu - Can $6,000

Role

  • Carried out field survey to analyze the aquifer and groundwater quality conditions
  • Estimated the probable leachate quantity and quality
  • Mathematical modeling(MOC) studies to predict the probable future impacts leachate on groundwater

Benefit

  • Enabled the client obtaining clearance for the expansion project from Min of Environment

Development of Decision Support System for Micro Watershed Management in Semi-Arid Regions - Can $125,000

Role

  • Formulated the project
  • Designed monitoring network, frequency of hydrometeorological parameters
  • Acquired instrumentation
  • Designed DSS using tight coupling architecture consisting of GIS (Arc/INFO and Arc/View) and mathematical model (SWAT)
  • Designed and erected flow measuring system

Benefit

  • Established work plan, arranged infrastructure for data collection and computer processing

Groundwater resources management through mathematical modeling in the Tawa canal command area, Hoshangabad Dist. - Can $30,000

Role

  • Participated in the field surveys
  • Carried out pumping tests for aquifer parameters
  • Carried out mathematical modeling (MODFLOW) studies to estimate the groundwater recharge and discharge components for management to reclaim water-logged areas

Benefit

  • Quantified different inputs and outputs to the command area to design management plans

Groundwater balance studies in dark areas with special reference to Sanwer block, Indore Dist., M.P. - Can $18,000

Role

  • Developed the monitoring network for water level data
  • Assessed the various methodologies for estimating groundwater balance
  • Developed the mathematical model using MODFLOW to estimate the balance
  • Compared various groundwater balance estimates and suggested the recommendations for practical/field implementation

Benefit

  • Validated some guidelines of groundwater balance estimation method guidelines and quantified some of the implications

Village-wise investigation of sites for water conservation and groundwater recharge structures in Dhar Dist. M.P. - Can $3,500

Role

  • Surveyed 30 water deficit villages for the geology, hydrogeology, surface water system
  • Formulated recharge augmentation plan for drinking water sources

Benefit

  • Enabled the client developing recharge augmentation structures for meeting the drinking water requirements of tribal, interior villages

Preparation of technical report on artificial recharge activities in Dhar and Jhabua. Can $500

Role

  • Surveyed five recharge augmentation projects in each district and investigated the success and failure of each one.

Benefit

  • Enabled the client further developing recharge augmentation structures for meeting the drinking water requirements of tribal, interior villages based on success stories

Artificial recharge studies in Dhar Dist. M.P. - Can $25,000

Role

  • Surveyed 31 water deficit villages for the geology, hydrogeology, surface water system
  • Monitored pre and post monsoon subsurface water levels
  • Understood the Formulated recharge augmentation plan for drinking water sources

Benefit

  • Enabled the client developing recharge augmentation structures for meeting the drinking water requirements of tribal, interior villages

Preparation of thematic maps including drainage and watershed maps of six districts of M.P. - Can $100,000

Role

  • Reviewed the thematic maps prepared from IRS-1C satellite data
  • Reviewed the report prepared

Benefit

  • Enabled the field engineers plan and develop plan document watershed management

Plan document preparation and implementation for Begumganj watershed, Raisen Dist., M.P - Can $130,000

Role

  • Participated in field surveys in collecting hydrological, demographic, socio-economic data
  • Assisted in the plan document preparation for watershed management

Benefit

  • Enabled the local villagers develop the watershed for maximum benefit through people’s participation

Micro-level water-logging remedial solutions around Kharar village, Hoshangabad dist. M.P - Can $17,500

Role

  • Surveyed a small area of 6 sq. km and collected all the data related to canal irrigation system, groundwater fluctuations
  • Established relation between the rise water levels and excessive irrigation zones
  • Developed structural and non-structural water-logging remedial solutions