Numerical exploration of sewage dispersion into a channel conveying water: Considering filtration and biodegradation as treatment mechanisms

Maintaining water quality and reducing the impact of industrial or accidental discharges in rivers or man-made conduits make the dispersion of contaminants in channel flows a critical topic in environmental engineering. This study presents the mathematical model of sewage dispersion into a channel flow, considering filtration and biodegradation as treatment processes. The governing equations for momentum and mass transfer in the model were non-dimensionalized and solved by a robust numerical approach known as the bivariate spectral weighted residual method (BSWRM). Our findings demonstrate that the efficiency of filtration and biodegradation in reducing the sewage concentration depends on the filtration and biodegradation rates, the flow speed, and the sewage’s diffusion properties. This work emphasizes the necessity of mathematical modeling to estimate pollutant dispersion and evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment strategies in practical situations. The results obtained will also provide valuable information for environmental management, suggesting strategies for reducing pollution and preserving water quality.