What type of data does a Q-C relationship provide?

The Q-C relationship, commonly referred to as the discharge-concentration relationship, is primarily concerned with providing concentration estimates of a pollutant in a waterbody as a function of the water flow (discharge) rate. This relationship is critical in surface water quality assessments, as it enables researchers and water quality managers to understand how the concentration of a substance varies with the flow of water.

By analyzing flow data alongside concentration measurements, scientists can derive insights into how pollutants behave during different hydrological conditions—such as during a storm when runoff can lead to higher concentrations of contaminants. The relationship allows for estimation of pollutant loads entering a waterbody over time, aiding in pollution management and regulatory compliance.

While temperature data, flow data, or rainfall data are important for studying water quality, they do not directly represent the concept of the Q-C relationship, which specifically emphasizes the dynamic interplay between flow rates and pollutant concentrations. Therefore, the focus of the Q-C relationship is accurately captured in the context of concentration estimates.