Study of salinity, sediment concentration, and flow intensity on floc population density in estuaries using image processing

Abstract

Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems where the interaction between fresh water from rivers and saline water from the ocean creates a unique environment and complex and dynamic ecosystem that one of the key processes that drives the functioning of estuaries is flocculation. Flocculation is influenced by several factors, including salinity, suspended sediment concentration, and mixing processes. In natural systems, these variables are constantly changing, making it difficult to study flocculation in a controlled manner. To overcome this challenge, laboratory mixing tanks have been developed that allow researchers to manage environmental conditions to mimic what happens in the real world. The combined investigation of these influencing factors on the population density of flocs in the hypothetical river estuary will provide a deeper understanding of this phenomenon and can provide insights into the behavior of flocs in the river estuary. To replicate conditions close to reality, the lab mixing tank should be operated under conditions that mimic the natural mixing processes that occur in the estuary. By conducting experimental tests under controlled laboratory conditions and employing image processing techniques, this study contributes to the scientific understanding of floc population dynamics in estuaries. Statistical results show that the minimum population density of flocs will be created at the concentration of suspended sediments equal to 150 and 200 mg/L and the probability of formation of flocs with lower population density is 66%, also the volume of saline water in lower volumes with a percentage of 55%, the probability of formation of flocs with less population density is higher. On the other hand, the maximum population density of the flocs will be created in larger amounts of saline water volume and the probability of formation of flocs with higher population density is 55%.