Estimation of Near-Field and Far-Field Dilutions for Site Selection of Effluent Outfall in a Coastal Region—A Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Naidu, V.S., 2013. Estimation of near-field and far-field dilutions for site selection of effluent outfall in a coastal region—a case study. Site selection for release of industrial effluents is of prime concern for maintaining the quality of the marine environment. In this study, an attempt has been made to establish the prevailing ecological conditions and to suggest the suitable location for discharge of the effluents into the sea by using near-field and far-field models. Near-field dilutions were calculated using a buoyant jet model, whereas far-field dilutions were estimated using a two-dimensional numerical model. As a case study, the location of outfall is to be suggested to Vapi Waste and Effluent Management Company Ltd. (VWEMCL) for the release of treated effluents. At present, VWEMCL is discharging effluents upstream of the Damanganga estuary. As a result, the entire Damanganga estuary has poor water quality. Field studies conducted in 2009 suggested that the Damanganga estuarine segmen...