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3D hydrodynamic modelling of the circulation dynamics and dilution in Hendrix Creek, New York
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Akpan, Oto-Obong. 3D hydrodynamic modelling of the circulation dynamics and dilution in Hendrix Creek, New York. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-cv3y-yq88

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Title3D hydrodynamic modelling of the circulation dynamics and dilution in Hendrix Creek, New York
NameAkpan, Oto-Obong (author); Miskewitz, Robert (chair); Miskewitz, Robert (member); Barone, Daniel (member); Guo, Qizhong (George) (member); Rutgers University; School of Graduate Studies
Date Created2022
Other Date2022-10 (degree)
SubjectEnvironmental engineering, Physical oceanography, 3D Hydrodynamic Modeling, Delft3D, Dilution factor, Effluent plume transport, Estuarine circulation, WWTPs
Extent124 pages : illustrations
DescriptionThe ambient conditions of receiving waters such as currents and density stratification have been shown to influence the dilution of treated wastewater discharged by WWTPs. In order to better understand the ambient conditions, particularly the circulation dynamics, which contributes to adequate dilution, a comprehensive hydrodynamic study of the receiving environment, using tracers to simulate treated wastewater and assess dilution, can be employed as an effective strategy. In this paper the mechanisms driving the estuarine circulation, which contributes to dilution in Hendrix Creek were studied by utilizing a validated 3D numerical hydrodynamics model (Delft3D FM). Hendrix Creek, a semi enclosed tidal tributary of Jamaica Bay that serves as a receiving water of 26th Ward WRRF, is not well studied. Furthermore, the transport regime of the WRRF discharge as well as the dilution and mixing conditions are unclear despite it being a permitted discharge through NYSDEC. Therefore, field measurements of the ambient environment as well as dilution studies using a tracer dye injected into the plant effluent were conducted, which aided in the calibration of the model. The model utilized field-collected bathymetry, tidal forcings, and freshwater input, as well as a k-e turbulence closure scheme. In addition to the developed model, numerical scenarios were performed during the second dye study period to better understand the significance of plant outfall location, bathymetry and freshwater discharge from CSO on the dilution of treated wastewater. Furthermore, a tidal decomposition of the salt and dye fluxes was conducted to determine the magnitudes of the dominant mechanisms in the circulation and transport of treated wastewater in Hendrix Creek. It was discovered that the main mechanisms involved in the estuarine circulation are the mean advection due to the freshwater discharge from the plant and the residual circulation, which both serve in maintaining the salt balance in the creek. An estimated dilution factor of 1.3 was computed in the receiving environment of the plant discharge, which indicates poor dilution. Numerical experiments of alternative outfall configurations confirm that vertical circulation is important for adequate dilution. However, the current ambient conditions and bathymetry of Hendrix Creek deter the mixing and circulation potential necessary for dilution of the treated wastewater. Therefore, alternative measures such as dredging as well as some regulatory changes to the discharge permit should be considered to improve overall dilution and water quality of the creek.
NoteM.S.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Genretheses
Persistent URLhttps://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-cv3y-yq88
LanguageEnglish
CollectionSchool of Graduate Studies Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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