Modeling of near field dilution of heated discharges of sea outfalls

The main cause of heated water discharges is the use of seawater as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers. Uncontrolled discharges into the ambient sea water having excess heat, have an adverse effect on the ecosystems. In this study, the near field dilution of heated sea water discharges was modeled and the behaviors of pollutant clouds were analyzed using CORMIX (CORMIX2) and Visual Plumes. Following effects of different parameters (total effluent discharge, diffuser length, port details, current) on the near field dilution of heated discharges were investigated with different scenarios waters by numerical models CORMIX2 and Visual Plumes. Sensitivity analysis of the discharge parameters were made comparatively. In spite of a hypothetical study, a real coastal area was selected to obtain and discuss realistic conditions. Therefore Samsun coastal area in summer condition was selected and CORMIX2 and Visual Plumes were applied to determine the effects of discharge parameters on near field dilution.