Author(s): B. Bockelmann-Evans; R. Ahmadian; R. Falconer
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Water quality sampling; Nutrient/sediment interaction; Eutrophication of estuarine and coastal waters; DIVAST
Abstract: This study aims to develop a better understanding of the processes involved in the transport and fate of nutrients in estuarine and coastal waters. Sediment transport plays an important role in the highly dynamic Severn Estuary investigated in this study with a maximum tidal range of 14.5 m. Water quality issues will be an important factor in the assessment of the environmental impacts of tidal renewable energy schemes in the Severn Estuary. Nutrient/sediment interaction and deposition, resuspension and transport are very complex processes and depend on many factors, including the hydrodynamics, sediment characteristics, salinity and pH levels, to mention but a few. The sampling programme carried out in this study included measurement of nutrient concentrations, both within the water column of the estuary and attached to the suspended sediments (SS). These data are being complemented by measurements of sediment size distribution, salinity and organic content of the sediments. DIVAST, a two-dimensional sediment transport and water quality model was set-up with a view to refining sediment/nutrient interactions used for estuarine waters.
Year: 2009