Water quality models are quite complex to use even for scientists, requiring knowledge in different areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Hence, the use of these models by a non-specialist is quite complicated, demanding considerable time and research, particularly to choose which model is the most appropriate for a given situation. In this study, a comparative guide is suggested, which can help users select the appropriate water quality model for certain systems and variables. Five models were considered as follows: AQUATOX, CE-QUAL-W2, Spatially Referenced Regression Model on Watershed Attributes (SPARROW), Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program 7 (WASP7), which have been widely used during the last 5 years. All of these selected models are free and easily available. It was verified that each model has its particularities and applications; however, the AQUATOX model has several advantages compared with the other models analyzed. In addition, to illustrate the availability of the proposed comparative guide, a case study was carried out to demonstrating the selection process of the selected models.

水质模型甚至对于科学家来说使用起来也非常复杂，需要生物学，化学，物理和工程等不同领域的知识。因此，非专业人员使用这些模型非常复杂，需要大量的时间和研究，尤其是要选择哪种模型最适合给定的情况。在这项研究中，提出了一个比较指南，可以帮助用户为某些系统和变量选择合适的水质模型。考虑了以下五个模型：AQUATOX，CE-QUAL-W2，流域属性的空间参考回归模型（SPARROW），土壤和水评估工具（SWAT）以及水质分析模拟程序7（WASP7），这些模型已经广泛使用最近5年使用。所有这些选定的模型都是免费的，并且容易获得。验证每个模型都有其特殊性和应用；但是，与其他分析模型相比，AQUATOX模型具有多个优势。另外，为了说明所建议的比较指南的可用性，进行了案例研究，以说明所选模型的选择过程。