Characterizing the effluence near Waikiki, Hawaii with a coupled biophysical model

► A coupled biophysical model is used to examine how physical forcings affect the fate of an effluent plume. ► Seasonal winds keep the plume to the west and onshore. ► Wave and wind forcing mix the plume increasing residency time of Enterococcus spp. ► Model captures observed bacteria when the primary source of discharge is from the Ala Wai Canal. ► The combined physical and biological mechanisms act to keep the plume concentrated NW of the discharge canal.