Nutrient transport in beaches subjected to freshwater input and tides

Michel C. Boufadel, Makram T. Suidan, Christian H. Rauch, Chang Hoon Ahn, Albert D. Venosa

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Bioremediation of oil spills on beaches commonly involves the addition of nutrients to stimulate the growth of indigenous oil-degrading bacteria. The selection of the best application strategy of nutrients requires an understanding of the physical factors affecting beach hydraulics and hydrodynamics. We investigated these factors here using a laboratory beach and a numerical model that is able to simulate density-dependent flows in two-dimensional variably-saturated media. We found that beach geometry plays a major role in beach hydraulics and hydrodynamics because the flow lines are perpendicular to the beach surface. Under tidal action, we found that seawater enters the beach from the top and causes the entrapment of less saline water in the beach. Guidelines for the selection of the best application strategy of nutrients are provided.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages5277-5283
Number of pages7
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes
Event2005 International Oil Spill Conference, IOSC 2005 - Miami Beach, FL, United States
Duration: May 15 2005May 19 2005

Other

Other2005 International Oil Spill Conference, IOSC 2005
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMiami Beach, FL
Period5/15/055/19/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

Keywords

  • Bioremediation
  • Finite Element
  • Interface
  • Nutrients
  • Salinity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nutrient transport in beaches subjected to freshwater input and tides'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this