Author(s): Rita F. Carvalho; Adhemar Romero
Linked Author(s): Maria Rita L. M. F. Carvalho
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The appropriate location of effluent discharge points in aquatic environments such as estuaries and coastal areas is critical to minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with water quality regulations. Even when treated, effluent discharges can significantly alter the physicochemical and ecological conditions of the receiving environment, particularly in areas of low dilution, high ecological sensitivity, or intensive human and economic use. This work presents a technical assessment supporting the selection of the location and operating regime of an effluent discharge point associated with a proposed aquaculture facility planned for the Mondego Estuary, Portugal, near a RAMSAR zone of high importance for marine birdlife. Several scenarios were considered, based on several pre-selected discharge locations. The study integrates environmental data, physical model experiments, and numerical simulations. The adopted methodology enabled the assessment of flow behaviour, pollutant dispersion, and interactions with local hydrodynamic conditions (tides, currents, morphology).
Year: 2026