Author(s): R. W. Barber; M. J. Earing
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Pollution susceptibility; Embayment; Tidal flushing; Water quality
Abstract: This paper presents a novel analytical procedure for estimating the pollution susceptibility of semi-enclosed tidal embayments. The model is based upon a tidal prism or zero-dimensional approach and uses a recursive analytical technique to predict the long-term water quality response due to the discharge of a dissolved conservative pollutant. The proposed analytical approach offers a viable and computationally inexpensive alternative to conventional multi-dimensional pollution transport simulations and provides an increased understanding of the flushing characteristics of tidal basins. Predictions from the analytical formulation are validated against experimental water quality data obtained from a series of laboratory tests on a 1:400 scale physical model. The results from the validation tests are very encouraging and demonstrate that the proposed analytical technique provides a simple yet robust method for estimating the long-term pollution susceptibility.
Year: 2003