Author(s): F. Verissimo; F. Martins
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Modelling; Submarine outfall; Near field; Far field; Albufeira; Algarve; Portugal; MOHID
Abstract: Tourism activity in bathing areas is responsible for important pressures on urban water cycle facilities and water resources, especially regarding the design of water supply and treatment systems. The present work aims at evaluating the hydrodynamic and water quality behavior of three submarine outfalls located in Albufeira Bay using a mathematical modelling approach, based on the MOHID modelling system. The main processes controlling dispersion in this coast are investigated, namely the importance of the wind. The first developments in assembling the dispersion model of outfall discharges in the Albufeira Bay were successfully completed and show promising results for future developments. In addition, a first series of measuring campaigns were accomplished, providing data to characterize the dispersion in this coastal system. The results show that the wind is the determining factor for the coastal circulation and dispersion in the bay. Results also show that SE winds, more frequent in summer, produce a net transport of outfall plumes to the coast, affecting a larger number of beaches during the tourism peak. This fact stress the need for a better understanding and operational capability of municipalities and wastewater management enterprises. As a result of this work the coastal model will be nested into the Algarve operational model and the validation of the coupled modelling system against measured data will be conducted. Additional field campaigns are also planned.
Year: 2016