Influence of wave and current energies on the re-suspension of bottom sediment and suspended sediment concentration in the water column at Ban Khunsamutchin Coast, Samut Prakan province.
Abstract:
Ban Khunsamutchin coast is located at the inner coast of the upper gulf of Thailand. The coast consists of remnant mangrove forest and wide, gentle slope mudflat. The re-suspension of bottom sediment and the total suspended sediment (TSS) concentration in the water column near the coast are typically influenced by tidal current and wave action. In this study we used sediment carrying capacity concept to estimate the TSS concentration that being sustained in the water column by wave and current energies. Seven field observations were carried out to collect water depth, wave height, wave period, bottom tidal current and total suspended solid concentration at 4-6 stations along a transect. Sampling was done at 1.5 - 5 m water depth. The calculated bottom tidal current was in the range of 0.0 0.19 m/s. The computed significant wave height from measured wave height was in the range of 0.01 - 0.45 m and the wave period was in the range of 3-5 s. The maximum bottom wave orbital velocity was 0.28 m/s. With the median bottom sediment diameter (D50) of 0.0153 mm, the wave energy can stir up the bottom sediment. The TSS concentrations varied between 10-258 mg/l. The bottom sediment are re-suspended mainly by bottom wave orbital velocity. Finally, using the sediment carrying capacity formula and the values of sediment settling velocity varying with the TSS concentration, the computed TSS concentration matched up nicely with the measured ones (R2 = 0.62). While, using values of sediment settling velocity varying with the grain size, the computed TSS concentration is poorly matched with measured TSS concentration (R2 = 0.44).