Hydrodynamics of Hypolimnetic Aeration and its Relation to Oxygen Transfer

Abstract:

This study is carried out to quantify the flow field around hypolimnetic aerators and its relation to oxygen transfer in reservoirs. Measurements of flow, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) are conducted in the Western Branch and Lake Prince reservoirs in Suffolk, Virginia. These reservoirs are the main source of drinking water for the City of Norfolk but also supply water to other cities in the Hampton Roads region. A model of the Western Branch reservoir is created using CE-QUAL-W2, a two-dimensional, laterally averaged, longitudinal, hydrodynamic, and water quality model. The model uses background temperature, DO data, and information on aerator location and flow to solve the dispersion of the air plume and the added DO in the lake. Upon comparison with the data, the model is used to assess the impact of aerator specifications, mainly its vertical position and discharge, on lake stratification.