Abstract
Algal blooms have threatened the environmental functions of artificial seawater canals. Generally, water quality in a canal is managed by periodically circulating water from the sea into the canal. However, hydraulic characteristics from the canal design can interrupt the removal of algal blooms by water circulations in the canal. Accordingly, this study analyzed the effect of the hydraulic characteristics on algal blooms in an artificial seawater channel in Central Park, New Songdo City, Korea using a 3-D hydrodynamic model. Nutrients and velocity in stagnant areas in the canal were spatio-temporally measured. Algal bloom locations based on field monitoring mainly corresponded with areas of stagnant water and high vorticity in the z-direction, as determined by the numerical simulations. These results support that high vorticity interrupts the transfer water to the outer area when the canal water is in a stagnant condition. A high value of z-direction vorticity resulted in increased nutrient (total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P)) availability, and sequentially increases the probability of algal bloom events. In this regard, this study will give a contribution to prevention of algal blooms in the artificial seawater canal.
Highlights
Algal blooms occur naturally and may occur with regularity depending on weather and water conditions [1,2]
By comparing the total phosphorus (T-P) concentration at the same point and time, it was determined that total nitrogen (T-N) contributes more to the growth of algal blooms and scum in the canal
In addition to the effect of velocity of x and y direction on algal blooms, this study shows that z-direction vorticity give a significant contribution to algal blooms
Summary
Algal blooms occur naturally and may occur with regularity depending on weather and water conditions [1,2]. Under sufficient sunlight and nutrient conditions, algal blooms have an increased probability of development. Micro-algae grow rapidly to a critical point (algal blooms). They use the additional materials for the growth of macro-algae or laver. The main point source in the canal is seawater, especially non-filtered seawater, because the water quality of such water changes dynamically, depending on the regional daily weather, seasonal climate, and sea currents. Microorganisms grow using organics and nutrients, and under conditions of surplus nutrients, algal blooms could develop in the canal, changing the water color
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