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Oceanographic - Dispersion Studies

A number of different techniques are available to measure the rate of dispersion of effluents released into the marine or riverine environment. The most commonly used is the dispersion of dye, typically using Rhodamine or Fluorescein.

Quantities of dye are released and tracked for periods of up to 12 hours although the length of the track will be dependent on the water clarity and dispersive properties of the receiving waters. Additional information on the movement and dispersion can often be obtained through the use of longer term tracers such as spores.

The use of a combined dye and spore release in conjunction with a numerical model is often the best way to investigate the long term effect of pollutants. The use of longer term tracers can also be used to determine whether a pollutant released from a particular outfall will reach a specific location.

This method is often used when assessing the possible impact of a wastewater discharge on bathing waters.

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