Optimizing impoundment artificial aeration based on reservoir bathymetry

FERNANDEZ, ROCIO LUZ

New York

Congreso; GLEON 19 (Global Lake Ecosystem Org. Network); 2017

GLEON

Vertical mixing of water is supressed by thermal stratification during summer in most temperate reservoirs. Air injection diffuser systems are then a common technique for enhancing water column circulation and mixing to improve DO by eliminating the vertical density gradients that lead to low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the bottom waters. The influence of morphometric parameters on the air distribution efficiency is analysed here by means of numerical modelling in a medium-sized reservoir of Argentina. Results allow to identify a series of related items that can be helpful during the design of these aeration systems. For example, the localization of diffusers should be based on the goal to reach: thermal destratification or evaporation reduction. Moreover, air diffusers evenly distributed within the reservoir may be more effective in avoiding diurnal stratification, as well as the destratification of the water column may be reached quickly with this configuration.