Sedimentation in the Submarine Outfall and in the Mixing Zones (Avoiding, Diagnosis and Remediation)

Some practical design tips and important recommendations are given to minimize the negative effect of discharge of wastewater laden with solid particles via submarine outfall. This study emphasizes the role of respecting the hydraulic conditions in the outfall to prevent sedimentation in the outfall or their accumulation in adjacent areas; also it includes the ways used to improve the outfall hydraulic capacity that decreases with time. The diagnostics and remediation procedures of mixing zones are discussed, especially in the case of previous toxic discharge that results in toxic sediments at the bed load. A literature review of techniques used to assess sediment quality near discharge points and locate effluent-affected sediment deposit is presented that include using acoustic profiles and images, chemical analysis, toxicity tests and multivariate indicators.