Thesis
Characteristics of urban subtropical suspended sediment transport, and the treatment efficiency of instream sediment control devices during storms
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast
2002
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00361
Abstract
An assessment of suspended sediment transport during storm events in two urban subtropical catchments (namely Caloundra nad Caboolture catchments) in the Pumicestone Region, Australia, was undertaken. The effectiveness of two instream sediment control devices (namely a Continuous Deflective System and an instream wetland) in treating these suspended sediments during storms was also examined. Influences from variables other than instantaneous storm discharge were shown to have a considerable influence on suspended sediment concentrations during storms, in both catchments. This reflected the varying responses of organic sediments, inorganic sediments and specific particle sizes during storms, and influences of sediment availability. First flush and exhaustion of sediments was observed within most storms within the Caloundra catchment and an exahustion of available sediments between storms as a result of successive storm activity, was also observed in this catchment. An exahustion of organic and inorganic sediments at the beginning of a wet period was seen for the Caboolture catchment and this suggests an influence of antecedent conditions of sediment availability and transport in this catchment. Moreover suspended sediment transport processes were shown to be similar to those found in temperate catchments, though a greater influence of variables not related to instatntaneous storm discharge was implied. The majority of sediments transported were volatile organic and fine inorganic sediments, for both catchments. Treatment of these suspended sediments by either the CDS or the instream wetland was not observed in general. The lack of treatment was consistent with a range of storms and this prevented an overall assessment of storm loading pressures on treatment during storms. However inflow storm discharge was shown to influence the exportation of sediments from the instream wetland. Whilst the retention of some coarse particles by the CDS and instream wetland was observed during some storms, neither treatment device was shown to have a positive effect on concentrations of fine sediments during storms. These results highlight the need for a holistic approach to urban sediment control including alternate sediment control techniques such as source control and water sensitive design.
Details
- Title
- Characteristics of urban subtropical suspended sediment transport, and the treatment efficiency of instream sediment control devices during storms
- Authors
- Daniel Owen
- Contributors
- Ronald J Neller (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00361
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450394102621
- Output Type
- Thesis
- Research Statement
- false
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