Author(s): Hettiarachch; Samarawickrama; Gregory Shahane De Costa
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Coastal surface water bodies hydraulically linked to the ocean are subject to seawater intrusion at varying levels. Development work in surrounding areas as well as, sedimentation changes the delicate balance required to maintain same levels of seawater intrusion. Here the Negombo lagoon is taken as a case study and investigated to identify a management strategy for the sustenance and maintenance of the delicate balance so that the optimum amount of seawater intrusion could occur. Development in surrounding areas and sedimentation over time disturbs the natural balance causing changes to level of seawater intrusion resulting in changes to the aquatic and water quality of the water body which impacts lively hood of the area. As measure of reconvening the original salinity intrusion balance and managing the water body dredging the lagoon has been investigated. Here by means of improving the circulation in the lagoon to minimize further siltation and to achieve favorable conditions to sustain the rich biodiversity dredging scenarios have been investigated and the optimum solution developed.
Year: 2009