Algal Boom Characteristics of Yeongsan River Based on Weir and Estuary Dam Operating Conditions Using EFDC-NIER Model

Abstract

A number of hydraulic structures have been installed along the Yeongsan River, including an estuary dam and two weirs (Seungchon and Juksan). While these structures aid in regional water security and use and reduce flooding, they reduce water flow in the summer, thereby frequently causing algal blooms. This study simulated algal bloom and water quality characteristics of sections of the Yeongsan River in South Korea under different weir and estuary dam operating conditions using the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code—National Institute of Environment Research (EFDC-NIER) model. Results showed that when the management levels of the Juksan Weir and estuary dam were maintained, simulated water levels were EL. 3.7 m in the weir section and EL. −1.2 m (below average water level of the Yellow Sea) in the dam section. When both the weir and dam were open, the water levels varied with the tide; in contrast, when the Juksan Weir alone was open, the water level was between EL. −1.2 and −0.9 m, in line with the management level of the estuary dam. Opening the weir alone reduced algal blooms by 72–84% in the weir region, and opening the estuary dam alone reduced the algal blooms by 83% in the dam region. This improvement was attributed to the reduced water retention time and dilution due to seawater inflows.