Scientific Appraisal of Water Quality in the Golden Horn Based on Hydrodynamic Modeling: Adverse Effect of Treated Wastewater Discharge

The study utilized the essential findings of hydrodynamic modeling for a comparative appraisal of water quality in The Golden Horn. For this purpose, statistically valid values of major parameters derived from a comprehensive water quality survey were considered together with the predictions of hydrodynamic modeling for a decisive appraisal of the ecological balance in the water body. This balance was quite critical in the upstream shallow section of the estuary, characterized by a dissolved oxygen level of 4.5 mg/L and a total organic carbon concentration of 4.0-4.5 mg/L in an environment favoring microbial activities, where a small surge of organic matter could reduce or totally consume dissolved oxygen. Specific emphasis was placed upon establishing the scientific basis of assessing the detrimental impact of a treated wastewater discharge on water quality; considering the particulars of the canceled treatment plant as a case study, modeling results indicated that releasing the treated discharge into the upstream section would cause complete depletion of dissolved oxygen in the surface layer along a 1.5 km stretch, where anaerobic conditions would prevail with a devastating degradation of water quality.