Estimation of Longitudinal Dispersion Coefficient Using Field Experimental Data and 1D Numerical Model of Solute Transport

Abstract

The use of water quality models in natural environments is a very useful tool for the management of water resources. In the case of the transport of pollutants into natural watercourses, the advection-dispersion equation is widely used in its one-dimensional form to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of the dissolved substance, whether the release has occurred intentionally or accidentally. Among the important parameters of these models is the longitudinal dispersion coefficient. The objectives of this paper are: (1) the evaluation of dispersion coefficients using salt dilution method experiment and (2) the development, calibration and evaluation of numerical model for an instantaneous pollutant release in the Neretva River. In this study, field techniques are used to determine the longitudinal dispersion coefficient in the Neretva River (Bosnia and Herzegovina) using salt tracer test. Experiments are performed in order to corroborate the numerical predictions of the spatial and temporal distribution of the dissolved substance. A one-dimensional numerical model MIKE 11 is used for numerical simulation in this study. Using salt tracer data and hydrodynamic data collected from ADCP measurements for the Neretva River a dispersion coefficient was determined.