Tidal Saltwater Wetlands and Coastal Water Quality

Abstract:Stanley GrantProfessor of Environmental EngineeringChair, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials ScienceUniversity of California, IrvineAbstract:Tidal saltwater wetlands are the ocean's last line of defense against polluted surface water runoff from urban watersheds. After entering tidal wetlands, runoff-associated pollutants undergo dilution and transport by what Zimmerman called the "tidal whirlpool", and transformation by myriad physicochemical and biologically mediated processes. Here I present field measurements and modeling studies of fecal indicator (FIB) and nutrients in Newport Bay, Orange County, California. Results from this field and modeling effort shed light on: (1) the maximum volume of runoff a tidal saltwater wetland can receive, above which its pollutant treatment capacity is compromised; (2) design principles for optimizing pollutant treatment in restored tidal saltwater wetlands; and (3) the level of model complexity needed to accurately describe pollutant fate and transport in these complex systems.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes