Sediment Removal Efficiency Research Articles

In silico degradation of fluoroquinolones by a microalgae-based constructed wetland system

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) have been used worldwide due to their extended antimicrobial spectrum. However, the overuse of FQs leads to frequent detection in the environment and cannot be efficiently removed. Microalgae-based constructed wetland systems have been proven to be a relatively proper method to treat FQs, mainly by microalgae, plants, microorganisms, and sediments. To improve the removal efficiency of microalgae-constructed wetland, a systematic molecular design, screening, functional, and risk evaluation method was developed using three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship models, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular docking, and TOPKAT approaches. Five designed ciprofloxacin alternatives with improved bactericidal effects and lower human health risks were found to be more easily degraded by microalgae (16.11–167.88 %), plants (6.72–58.86 %), microorganisms (9.10–15.02 %), and sediments (435.83 %–1763.51 %) compared with ciprofloxacin. According to the mechanism analysis, the removal effect of the FQs can be affected via changes in the number, bond energy, and molecular descriptors of favorable and unfavorable amino acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of improving the microalgae, plants, microorganisms, and sediment removal efficiency of FQs in constructed wetlands, which provides theoretical support for the treatment of FQ pollution.

Evaluation on the performance of a swirling-type hydrodynamic separator using physical and numerical models.

Hydrodynamic separators are commonly used to control the total suspended solid concentration in stormwater before being discharged to natural water bodies. The separator studied in this paper, featuring a swirling flow generated by tangential inlet and outlet connections, was analyzed for its sediment removal efficiency in relation to sediment and flow rates. For the separator studied in this paper, the numerical model showed that the flow field was favorable for the sediments to gather at the center and settle. A higher flow rate or a smaller sediment diameter corresponded to a lower removal rate and vice versa. The dimension improvement for increasing the sediment removal rate was also studied. It was found that increasing the diameter of the separator showed a higher sediment removal rate compared with corresponding increase in the height of the separator. A dimensionless parameter J was proposed to assess the sediment removal rate of a separator, which may be used for designing and optimizing such a device. The removal rate is positively correlated with the J value. When the J value reaches 0.5 or above, the sediment removal rate exceeds 80%, which is a good initial target value for designing this type of separator.

Evaluating Sediment Removal Efficiency of Catch Basin Inserts as a Post-Construction Water Quality Tool on Roadways

Urban areas produce large amounts of stormwater runoff due to vast areas of impervious surfaces. Stormwater inlets, or catch basins, are commonly used for collecting and directing stormwater runoff away from streets and sidewalks. The conveyances used to direct flow to surface waters may be part of a municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). Typically, MS4s redirect runoff without providing a means for removing harmful pollutants. These pollutants are then often discharged directly into local lakes, rivers, and streams, potentially harming native aquatic ecosystems. Post-construction stormwater practices are commonly used to treat runoff from urban areas by reducing the total runoff volume, lowering peak flow rates, and/or removing harmful pollutants from runoff. However, some post construction stormwater practices require large footprints, construction, and maintenance. Catch basin inserts (CBIs) are one type of post-construction best management practice that are installed within existing catch basins and require no additional land use while still providing a means for removing pollutants from stormwater runoff before entering the MS4. However, limited data is available to demonstrate the expected performance of various CBIs to ensure that these practices meet the pollutant removal standards set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the sediment removal capabilities of eight different proprietary CBI products for potential use as a post-construction stormwater practice for Department of Transportation projects. Results indicate that only two basket-type CBIs met the 80% sediment retention benchmark established for the study. While not surpassing the benchmark, three bag-type CBIs did achieve more than 70% sediment retention. The remaining three CBIs (one basket-type, one bag-type, and one cartridge type) fell notably short of the performance benchmark.

Inclined Tubes Clarifier for Effective Removal of Suspended Solids from Canal Water Prior to Groundwater Recharge

Groundwater recharge, through surplus supplies of canal water, may prove to be an important strategy for replenishing the rapidly depleting groundwater in Punjab and managing sustainably the groundwater resources. However, presence of suspended silt load in the canal water results in clogging of recharge wells and subsequent reduction in recharge rates and capacity of filters. In present study, an inclined tubes clarifier having filtration capacity of 1.8 L s-1 was designed and fabricated to filter the silt-loaded canal water. In the clarifier, tubes of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) media of 1-m length were attached one over the other to form an inclined honeycomb like structure through which canal water enters as inflow from the bottom and the clarified water exits as outflow from the top of the clarifier. Efficacy of the designed clarifier was tested at different total suspended solids ranging from 500 to 3000 mg L-1 in the canal water and at pumping rates varying from 0.3 to 2.1 L s-1. The results revealed more than 85% sediment-removal efficiency of the clarifier at flow rates above 0.8 L s-1. The results further indicated that efficiency of removing total suspended solids (TSS) reduced drastically at inflow rates more than 1.2 L s-1. Also, at all the flow rates, the efficiency was 6% higher for water samples having TSS more than 2000 mg L-1 in comparison to samples having TSS less than 1000 mg L-1. The clarifier makes no significant difference to the values of total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total solids and pH of the canal water.

Flow field and sediment removal in a stormwater sump utilizing internal structures.

This study investigated the hydraulic characteristics of stormwater sumps and their design optimization for sediment retention using physical experiments. Particle image velocimetry was utilized to measure the flow field, and the use of internal structures was investigated for improving solids retention. Results indicate that these internal structures can significantly improve the sediment removal efficiency of suspended solids with an average size of 125 μm, resulting in an efficiency improvement of 20-30%. Additionally, a modified Péclet number was proposed to more accurately evaluate the sediment removal efficiency of stormwater sumps, and recommendations were provided for further improving and optimizing sump design. This study provides insights into the hydraulic characteristics of stormwater sumps and has important implications for optimizing and designing particle removal systems for various industrial and environmental applications.

Efficacy of Undisturbed Vegetated Buffers in Capturing Suspended Sediment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Construction General Permit requires a 50 ft (15 m) undisturbed vegetated buffer to be maintained when construction activities are adjacent to a water body. However, maintaining a buffer is not always feasible, especially in highway construction activities; therefore, a contractor may use alternatives that capture sediment at an efficiency equivalent to an undisturbed buffer. However, little research has been conducted on the sediment removal efficacy of an undisturbed vegetated buffer. Several factors influence the sediment capture efficiency of a natural vegetated buffer, including climate, soils, topography, and vegetation characteristics. This research aimed to explore the sediment removal capabilities of various vegetated buffers with factors common to Nebraska roadway construction projects using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 Model. A multiple linear regression model was developed to analyze relationships between 7,776 model iterations. Statistical analysis indicated that decreasing the slope of the buffer and the clay and silt content in the soil increased the sediment removal efficiency of the buffer; this finding matched the conclusions of past research on vegetated filter strips and vegetated buffers. Sediment removal ranged between 77% and 99%, with an average efficiency of 94%—comparable to the efficacy of manufactured sediment barrier practices commonly used on construction sites.

A Hydrosuction Siphon System to Remove Particles Using Fan Blades

Sedimentation in dam reservoirs can cause problems that lead to loss of storage capacity and decrease in the flood control volume. Hydrosuction sediment removal is one of the methods used to remove sediments from within a reservoir using the suction energy provided by the effective head. In this study, a new tool has been developed by attaching the reservoir to a suction pipe intake point and using a simple fan blade mechanism for the hydrosuction sediment removal system. This mechanism is used to create a vortex flow to suspend the settled particles. This paper investigated the effects of the fan blade angles, effective head, and inlet height from the surface of layer particles on the performance and efficiency of fan blades hydrosuction sediment removal (FBHSSR) and hydrosuction sediment removal (HSSR) systems based on the geometric scour hole parameters. Results from the experimental tests indicated the effectiveness of the FBHSSR system, with the fan blade angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° leading to approximately 800%, 200%, and 117%, respectively, removed particles greater than those of the HSSR system. Furthermore, the maximum depth and diameter of the scour hole were increased by 206%, 200%, and 137% and 135, 112%, and 117%, respectively, for each angle. The effective head or experiment time also enhanced system performance by increasing the suction discharge, but no change was observed in terms of efficiency. The critical inlet heights for the FBHSSR and HSSR systems are 1 time and 2.54 times, respectively, more than the diameter of the suction pipe. Thus, it can be concluded that using fan blades in HSSR systems is a good approach to improve the properties of the scour hole.

The effectiveness of sediment and phosphorus removal by a small constructed wetland in Norway: 18 years of monitoring and perspectives for the future

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a widely recognised measure for reducing pollution loads and improving the quality of surface waters. The removal efficiency of CWs varies considerably depending on system type and design as well as residence time, hydraulic load, particles and nutrient loading rates. Therefore, there is a need to closely monitor the efficiency of existing measures, look at their efficiency in practice and be able to foresee potential implications for their efficiency in light of climate change and land management intensification.This study presents 18 years of data from a typical Norwegian small CW established in the Skuterud catchment. The main objective of this study was to look at the impact of hydraulic load, particles and nutrient loads (depending on climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation) on CW effectiveness. The results showed an average of 39 % and 22 % annual removal efficiency for sediment and phosphorus, respectively. It appears that good CW effectiveness coincides with a combination of high sediment or phosphorus loads to the CW and a stable runoff of low to moderate intensity.At the seasonal level, the highest sediment and phosphorus removal efficiency is observed in the summer seasons (47% for sediment and 29% for phosphorus), when the sediment and phosphorus loads and runoff are at their lowest, and the lowest in autumn (23% for sediment) and in winter (4% for phosphorus). The relationship between removal efficiency and loads to the CW is not that straightforward, as other seasonal differences, such as erosion patterns, vegetation development, also become important.The conclusion based on the results presented is that establishing CWs can be a good supplement to best management practice in erosion-prone catchments with sensitive recipients.

Increased levels of forestry best management practices reduce sediment delivery from Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain clearcut harvests and access features, southeastern states, USA

A land use history of intensive agricultural practices, combined with highly erodible soils, have made erosion control and water quality protection essential for forest management in the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain of the southeastern U.S. Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs), which include sustainable harvesting guidelines approved by state forestry agencies, are utilized in these regions to mitigate potential impacts to water quality. In this study, the relationship between three levels of BMP implementation ranging from < 80% (BMP–), 80–90% (BMP-standard) and > 90% (BMP+ ), estimated erosion (Mg ha-1 yr-1) based on the USLE-Forest empirical model, and sediment delivery ratios was explored to better understand impacts to forest water quality. Erosion and sediment delivery estimates by BMP level were multiplied by estimates of area occupied by each operational feature (e.g., decks, harvest areas only, haul roads, skid trails, stream crossings) and annual clearcut timberland (ha-1 yr-1) provided by the U.S. Forest Service FIA Program. The overall goal was to estimate total annual masses of erosion and sediment (Mg yr-1) by BMP level for twelve states with timberland located in either the Piedmont or Upper Coastal Plain. Forty-four clearcut harvest sites were assessed in the region. Over 431,000 ha yr−1 are clearcut in the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain, which represents approximately 2% of total forestland area in the regions. The BMP+ (0.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and BMP-standard (0.9 Mg ha−1 yr−1) levels of implementation provide considerably more water quality protection than BMP– (2.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1) based on average sedimentation rates for the overall harvest. Overall sediment removal efficiencies at the BMP-standard (54%) and BMP+ (74%) levels indicate that current BMPs are highly effective at mitigating potential sediment delivery from clearcut operations in the regions. The BMP+ level most efficiently limited potential sediment from skid trails (80%), harvest areas (75%), and haul roads (61%), which were also the primary contributors of sediment. Over 93% of clearcut harvests sampled were classified as either BMP-standard or BMP+. These findings indicate that current BMPs are implemented at high levels across the southeastern Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain, and that BMP effectiveness has improved substantially over time in the regions.

Experimental investigation of the diameter and length effects of the dendritic, bottomless, extended structure on reservoir sediment removal efficiency by flushing

Sedimentation in front of a dam is the main obstacle against reservoir sustainability. Due to the limited availability of suitable new dam sites, the ramifications of inefficient sediment management are associated with socio-economic concerns and environmental issues. Most of the existing sediment management techniques are unfavorable for arid and semi-arid regions due to their impacts on available water storage and power generation. Therefore, pressure flushing is an economical desilting method as it releases little water through the bottom outlet. However, one of the main disadvantages of pressurized flushing is limited sediment removal near the bottom outlet. In this paper, the impacts of a dendritic, bottomless, and extended (DBE) structure were investigated to develop the scour cone to a broader area. Several experiments were carried out with four different diameters (125, 160, 200, and 250 mm), four different lengths (30, 50, 80, and 110 cm), and three discharge rates (12.5, 15, and 18 L/s), to identify the dimensions of the extended structure with the most efficient operation. The results indicated that the DBE structure with a length dimensionless index of LDBE/Do=10, a diameter dimensionless index of DDBE/Do=1.14, and an outflow discharge dimensionless index of Fro=1.82, yielded a 36.55-fold increase in the sediment flushing cone dimensions and sediment removal efficiency compared to a reference test. Finally, a dimensionless equation is presented for calculating the sediment flushing cone dimensions, according to a statistical analysis of the results. Two diagrams are provided to illustrate the interrelationship between the distance limits of scour, length, and diameter of the structure and outlet discharges.

Hybrid Modeling for Solutions of Sediment Deposition in a Low-Land Reservoir with Multigate Sluice Structure

At the multigate sluice structure on a fluvial river, undesired sediment deposition affects the normal operation of the reservoir in question. Physical and numerical models are hybridized to help explore flow and sedimentation patterns. Field and laboratory investigations show that the deposition is attributable to the formation of large recirculation zones at low and medium discharges. As a potential countermeasure, an array of guide vanes is recommended to cope with the concern. Their attack angle with the flow is a dominant parameter that needs to be evaluated. Tests in the fixed-bed model demonstrate that the vanes bend the reservoir flow towards the sluice and suppress the circulation zones along both banks. The favorable range of attack angle is 15–20°. With the examination of sedimentation of both bed and suspended loads, the numerical modeling indicates that the sediment-removal efficiency increases with an increase in attack angle. By weighing the flushing efficiency and the risk of local scouring at the vanes, the 15° vane layout is recommended. This study is expected to provide a reference for guide-vane design in similar situations.

Increased levels of forestry best management practices reduce sediment delivery from Middle and Lower Coastal Plain clearcut harvests and access features, southeastern states, USA

Over 390,000 ha of forestland are clearcut annually (1–2%) across the Coastal Plain region of the southeastern U.S. where forestland occupies approximately 30 million hectares in the region. Extensive periods of high-water tables, wet-weather and harvesting, rutting, erodible soils, and drainage networks typical of the Coastal Plain increase the potential for erosion and stream sedimentation. To mitigate these impacts, water quality forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) were developed for erosion and sediment control and are recommended and approved by all southeastern state forestry agencies for application during and after harvests. The goal of this study was to estimate erosion and sedimentation from silvicultural operations in the Coastal Plain under three different and previously recognized levels of BMP implementation including BMP– (<80%), BMP-standard (80%–90%), and BMP+ (>90%), where 90% represents average implementation. A total of 35 recent clearcut sites were evaluated in the Coastal Plain of 12 southeastern states. Erosion was estimated via the USLE-Forest model at five operational features, including decks, stream crossings, haul roads, skid trails, and harvest areas only, which were classified into one of three BMP levels. Sediment traps were utilized on a subset of Coastal Plain sites in Virginia and North Carolina so that sediment delivery ratios (unitless) could be calculated. Clearcut area estimates were obtained from the United States Forest Service (USFS), Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program. The percent areas comprised within each operational feature were multiplied by total clearcut areas in the Coastal Plain region so that erosion and sedimentation estimates could be expanded to a regional scale. Examination of the different levels of BMP implementation revealed estimated sedimentation rates of 0.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1 and 0.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1 at the BMP-standard and BMP+ levels, respectively. The range of overall estimated sediment masses at the BMP-standard and BMP+ levels most accurately reflects the current state of BMP application in the Coastal Plain. BMPs were most obviously effective at mitigating erosion and potential sediment delivery from Coastal Plain skid trails and haul roads. The highest level of BMP implementation (BMP+) at forest roads and skid trails mitigated approximately 95% of sediment compared to BMP–. Overall sediment removal efficiencies were 77% for BMP-standard and 83% for BMP+ respectively when compared to BMP–. Conclusively, this study demonstrates that forestry BMPs are highly effective at mitigating erosion and stream sedimentation when appropriately applied in the southeastern Coastal Plain.

Experimental Study Demonstrating a Cost-Effective Approach for Generating 3D-Enhanced Models of Sediment Flushing Cones Using Model-Based SFM Photogrammetry

Accurate measurements of sediment flushing cone geometry (SFCG) are essential for determining sediment removal efficiency in reservoirs. SFCG measurements are related to the point-to-point height that affects bathymetry accuracy, and they are used to develop a digital elevation model (DEM). Conventional bathymetry monitoring techniques require a longer time for data processing and output data with insufficient accuracy despite being inexpensive and simple. In the current research, a close-range photogrammetric method called the structure from motion (SFM) method was investigated to determine the SFCG in an experimental study. The regular geometric shape of a cube was used to verify the SFM. Additionally, measurements between model control points (MCPs) on the flushed sediment bed were compared with those from the SFM method. The results indicated that the calculated SFM values were consistent with the measured values. To determine the SFCG, two sets of images were captured with 70% average overlapping before and after the completion of each test. After processing and post-processing via the SFM tool AgiSoft Metashape, a georeferenced 3D model was achieved. The accuracy of the surveyed data in terms of the dimensions, cross-sections, and temporal developments of the sediment flushing cone was investigated to verify the SFM method. Finally, the results revealed good agreement (R2=0.99 and average error of 0.03–0.74 mm) between the DEMs created by the SFM method and the actual model.

Improper Maintenance Activities Alter Benefits of Urban Stormwater Treatment in a Temperate Constructed Wetland in NSW, Australia

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an effective means to treat nutrient and sediment pollution in urban stormwater runoff to minimise impact on receiving waterways. Maintenance of devices is recognised as a major contributing factor to performance. There is a lack of evidence-based guidance on maintenance activities to optimise treatment, due to a paucity of data from long-term field studies into CW performance before and after maintenance. In this study, the nutrient and sediment removal efficiency (% RE) of a CW was evaluated by calculating removal efficiencies of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and total suspended sediment (TSS) following a long-term sampling program under baseflow and event flow conditions. Sampling was carried out before, during and after maintenance. Maintenance involved removing all aquatic vegetation and 200–300 mm of sediments over a 3-week period, aiming to improve the wetland’s performance. Assessment of dissolved and particulate nutrient fractions allowed a comprehensive investigation into drivers of nutrient removal efficiency. Under baseflow conditions differences in inflow and outflow pollutant concentrations were used to calculate removal efficiency and pollutant loads were used during event flow conditions. Before maintenance, during baseflow conditions the wetland was removing total N (36% RE) but exporting total P (-52% RE) and total sediment (-94% RE). During event-flow conditions all target pollutants were being removed (total N 63% RE, total P 25% RE and TSS 69% RE). phosphorusDuring maintenance, the device continued to remove total N (18% RE) but the physical disturbance of the maintenance resulted in mass export of total P (-120% RE) and total sediment (−2,000% RE) over a short time period, effectively undoing previous treatment. After maintenance, during baseflow conditions, the wetlands’ ability to treat total N decreased (28% RE), improved for total P (1% RE), and became a chronic source of suspended sediment (−127% RE). During event flow conditions, total N was no longer being treated (−19%) but total P and total suspended sediment were being retained (74%, 80% RE respectively). This study showed that the physical disturbance resulting from large-scale maintenance activities can potentially reverse years’ worth of treatment if not adequately planned and carried out with suitable controls.

Closure to “Model Development for Estimation of Sediment Removal Efficiency of Settling Basins Using Group Methods of Data Handling” by Faisal Ahmad, Mujib Ahmad Ansari, Ajmal Hussain, and Jahangeer Jahangeer

Closure to “Model Development for Estimation of Sediment Removal Efficiency of Settling Basins Using Group Methods of Data Handling” by Faisal Ahmad, Mujib Ahmad Ansari, Ajmal Hussain, and Jahangeer Jahangeer

Discussion of “Model Development for Estimation of Sediment Removal Efficiency of Settling Basins Using Group Methods of Data Handling” by Faisal Ahmad, Mujib Ahmad Ansari, Ajmal Hussain, and Jahangeer Jahangeer

Discussion of “Model Development for Estimation of Sediment Removal Efficiency of Settling Basins Using Group Methods of Data Handling” by Faisal Ahmad, Mujib Ahmad Ansari, Ajmal Hussain, and Jahangeer Jahangeer

Application of ANN model to predict the sediment removal efficiency of silt extractor

Application of ANN model to predict the sediment removal efficiency of silt extractor

Design optimization of perforation on deflector for improved performance of vortex settling basin*

AbstractFor vortex settling basins (VSBs) installed with a deflector, perforation is an effective retrofit to reduce the self‐weight of the deflector and sediment deposition on it. The current study investigated experimentally the performance of VSBs the deflector of which was perforated at different locations with various opening ratios. The results showed that perforating the outside overflow area of the deflector was the optimum for reducing sediment deposition. With an opening ratio of 8.67–13% in the outside overflow area of the deflector, the VSB exhibited similar sediment removal efficiency to the original design without any openings on the deflector. The current study provided the design optimization for deflector perforation in VSBs.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ПРОЦЕСУ НІТРАТНОКИСЛОТНОЇ ПЕРЕРОБКИ ФОСФОГІПСУ З ОДЕРЖАННЯМ КОНЦЕНТРАТУ РІДКІСНОЗЕМЕЛЬНИХ ЕЛЕМЕНТІВ

Investigate the process of extraction of rare earth elements from phosphogypsum by its interaction with nitric acid, concentration 25, 30 and 35%, at a ratio of "phosphogypsum: acid" 1: 2 and a temperature of 700C to obtain purified calcium sulfate. Regularities of the process of extraction of concentrate of rare earth elements from phosphogypsum by acid leaching are obtained. Experimental studies were performed using the titrimetric method using Trilon B to determine the concentration of rare earth elements in the obtained filtrates. A review of scientific and technical literature in the field of promising methods of processing phosphogypsum. The most alternative method of processing phosphogypsum is to obtain rare earth elements by acid leaching, which is provided by the use of mineral acids. Based on the obtained data, it was found that when the acid concentration increases from 25 to 35%, the content of rare earth elements (REE) in the filtrates of the samples increases from 0.21 to 1.68 g/dm3, respectively. It was found that the degree of extraction of REE concentrate from phosphogypsum is highest at an acid concentration of 25% and is 22.8%, and with increasing concentration of HNO3, it decreases by almost 2.5 times. The optimal concentration of the nitric acid solution was determined, which is 25% and interacts with phosphogypsum for the subsequent extraction of the precipitate of rare earth elements.The optimal temperature of nitric acid processing of phosphogypsum, which is 70 0C, was revealed. Regularities of the process of extraction of concentrate of rare earth elements from phosphogypsum by acid leaching are obtained.The use of nitric acid for the production of rare earth elements from phosphogypsum and for the production of purified phosphogypsum sediment from soluble impurities scientifically substantiated. The content of rare earth elements in the filtrate was determined at various acid concentrations. The efficiency of sediment removal of rare earth elements from phosphogypsum by interaction with nitric acid at a concentration of 25, 30 and 35%, respectively, was established. Purified phosphogypsum can then be used to produce gypsum binder in the construction industry and in fertilizer technology in agriculture. Concentrate of rare earth elements can be used in medicine, metallurgy and other industries with the selection of individual elements and in general.

Model Development for Estimation of Sediment Removal Efficiency of Settling Basins Using Group Methods of Data Handling

Settling basins are generally used as sediment removal structures in which flow velocity is reduced, resulting in surplus settlement of sediment particles. The accuracy of the available empirical equations for sediment removal efficiency is checked using data available in the literature. The existing relationships of removal efficiency were not found to yield satisfactory results. Therefore, the data were reanalyzed and new models were developed using nonlinear regression and the group method of data handling (GMDH). On the basis of various performance parameters, it was observed that the proposed nonlinear regression model had the highest accuracy compared with other available relationships. It was also observed that the efficiency estimated using the GMDH model (R=0.960, AAD=14.698, and RMSE=0.094) was more accurate than that estimated by the regression model (R=0.863, AAD=30.675, and RMSE=0.171). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the ratio of particle fall velocity to average flow velocity in the basin was the most effective parameter for sediment removal efficiency. This work will help in quantifying and subsequently improving the management of surplus sediment in canals.