Influence of density stratification on effluent plume dynamics*

In this study we modelled sea temperature (T), salinity (S) and density field dynamics using a 3D numerical model applied to Rijeka Bay (Croatia) in order to explore their effect on effluent plume dynamics in the vicinity of four submarine sewage outfalls when the bora wind (NE direction) is blowing. The vertical density stratification in the area studied is strongly related to the bora wind, which contributes significantly to the lowering of the pycnocline depth through enhanced mixing in the vertical, giving rise to changes in the neutral buoyancy level. The features of near-field plume dynamics were calculated with the use of a separate near-field numerical model, using information on the vertical density distribution previously calculated using a 3D numerical model.The results of the numerical simulations and statistical analysis of the wind data indicate a very low probability of complete water column homogenization and consequent effluent plume rise to the sea surface under the influence of the bora wind during the peak tourist season (May–September).