Estimation of Bed Load Transport in River Osun, South-Western of Nigeria Using Grain Size Distribution Data

Abstract

Sediment transport rate depends on bed composition, flow hydraulics and sediment supply. There is a paucity of information on bedload transport in River Osun. In this study, bedload in River Osun was estimated using grain size distribution data to predict channel migration and mitigate flooding. Grab sampler was used to collect sediment samples at the sampling point across the river designated as T1-T4. Sieve analysis was carried out in triplicate on sediment from sampling points using standard methods. Discharge and cross-sectional area were measured between December 2017 and December 2018 at sampling stations using standard methods. The seasonal and bedload were estimated using standards equations. The percentage of bed material particles above 5mm and less than or equal to 2mm were 50 and 22.49%, respectively. The average median grain (d50) size was 2.4mm. The discharge and cross-sectional area across River Osun ranged (0.53-17.46) m3/s and (3.83-47.46) m2. The seasonal suspended and bedload across the river were (206.43×103 kg/annum) and 2,538.77×103(kg/annum), respectively. The estimated sediment load of River Osun could be useful in determining the dredging period at any point across the river where deposition of sediment could be monitored.