Wave Effects on the Initial Dilution of Untreated Wastewater Discharge for Santa Marta’s Submarine Outfall (Colombia)

Abstract

The initial dilution generated by the final disposal of untreated wastewater through a submarine outfall in Santa Marta was examined with a near-field dilution model. Northward and eastward seawater velocity, salinity, and temperature profiles from a 3D hydrodynamic model were used to provide the oceanic conditions to calculate the dilution. The upwelling phenomenon occurs two times a year at the wastewater discharge site, the major from December to March and the minor in July, eliminating the stratification condition of seawater. The results of the dilution model showed that in these periods the plume reaches the water surface, achieving dilutions greater than 100. In addition, the external wave effect on the initial dilution of submarine outfall discharge in Santa Marta was determined. Surface waves increase dilution during the dry period of the year, when trade winds increase the surge and start the upwelling phenomenon. The dilution with/without waves factor is up to 1.90 for the center of the plume on the water column.