Hypolimnetic Oxygenation: Coupling Bubble-Plume and Reservoir Models

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, Blacksburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

0202034 Little The mixing mechanisms induced in water by bubble-plumes will be identified and incorporated into a coupled bubble-plume reservoir model for design and operation of hypolimnetic oxygenation systems. Field testing will be conducted using a linear bubble-plume diffuser in a small water supply reservoir in Virginia and using six circular bubble-plume diffusers in a mid-sized eutrophic lake in Switzerland. Oxygen transfer and plume induced mixing will be monitored before, during and after diffuser operation. In addition, biogeochemical fluxes will be monitored. This research will enable the development of the first scientifically rigorous coupled bubble-plume/ two dimensional reservoir model that includes mechanistic features of oxygen transfer, plume-induced mixing and the impact on biogeochemical fluxes, including SOD.