Computational Simulation of Pathogen and Sediment Transport in Surface Water

Abstract

Water quality and sediment transport play a crucial role in hydrologic and environmental systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where water resources are scarce. Understanding the movement of pathogens and sediments in surface water systems is essential for ensuring the safety of irrigation water, predicting contamination risks, and managing sediment-related processes. Computational modeling has become a powerful tool in hydrology and hydraulics for simulating these complex interactions, allowing researchers and engineers to analyze flow dynamics, sediment transport, and pathogen fate under various environmental conditions.This dissertation focuses on the development and application of computational models to simulate pathogen and sediment transport in surface water systems. The research is divided into two primary phases: (1) hydrodynamic modeling of pathogen transport in irrigation canals, and (2) hydrologic modeling of runoff and sediment transport in watersheds. The study integrates both laboratory experiments and numerical simulations to improve the understanding of key transport mechanisms and provide practical tools for water resource management.