Model development for prediction and mitigation of dissolved oxygen sags in the Athabasca River, Canada

► A water quality model was developed for the Athabasca River in Canada. ► The model was calibrated/validated for hydrodynamics, temperature and DO. ► The SOD was found as the main dissolved oxygen sink in winter. ► The model was applied to estimate the assimilative capacity and mitigation options. ► A variable flow threshold approach for BOD loading was recommended.