Simple model of dissolved oxygen consumption in a bay within high organic loading: an applied remediation tool.
San Vicente Bay is a coastal shallow embayment in Central Chile with multiple uses, one of which is receiving wastewater from industrial fisheries, steel mill effluents, and domestic sewage. A simulation model was developed and applied to dissolved oxygen consumption by organic residues released into this embayment. Three compartments were established as function of: depth, circulation and outfall location. The model compartments had different volumes, and their oxygen saturation value was used as baseline. The parameters: (a) BOD5 of the industrial and urban effluents, (b) oxygen demand by organic sediments, (c) respiration, (d) photosynthesis and (e) re-aeration were included in the model. Iteration results of the model showed severe alterations in Compartment 1, with a decrease of 65% in the oxygen below saturation. Compartment 2 showed a small decline (10%) and compartment 3 did not show apparent changes in oxygen values. Measures recommended for remediation were to decrease the BOD5 loading by 30% in the affected sector. Iteration of the model for 200 h following recommendations derived from the preceding results produced an increase in saturation of 60% (5 ml O2 L(-1)), which suggested an improvement of the environmental conditions.
Ahumada
Ramón
R
Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, casilla 297, Concepción, Chile. rahuma@ucsc.cl
Vargas
José
J
Pagliero
Liliana
L
D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005398:Fisheries; D007220:Industrial Waste; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis*; D012722:Sewage; D018505:Waste Management
D007220:Industrial Waste; D012722:Sewage; D010100:Oxygen