Numerical Simulation of Fecal Coliform Dynamics in Luruaco Lake, Colombia

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to analyze fecal coliform concentration dynamics in Luruaco Lake, aiding pollution source identification and environmental recovery strategies.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive 2D hydrodynamic and pollutant transport model for Luruaco Lake using advanced numerical methods.

Findings

Identified the most polluted regions in Luruaco Lake.

Provided insights for pollution source control and environmental management.

Enhanced understanding of fecal coliform dispersion patterns.

Abstract

The Luruaco Lake located in the Department of Atl\'antico, Colombia, is damaged by the discharge of untreated sewage, bringing risks to the health of all who use its waters. The present study aims to perform the numerical simulation of the concentration dynamics of fecal coliforms in the lake. The simulation of the hydrodynamic flow is carried out by means of a two-dimensional horizontal (2DH) model, given by a Navier-Stokes system. The simulation of fecal coliform transport is described by a convective-dispersive-reactive equation. These equations are solved numerically by the Finite Difference Method (FDM) and the Mark and Cell (MAC) method, in generalized coordinates. Regarding the construction of the computational mesh of the Luruaco Lake, the cubic spline and multiblock methods were used. The results obtained in the simulations allow a better understanding of the dynamics of fecal coliforms in the Luruaco Lake, showing the more polluted regions. They can also advise public agencies on identifying the emitters of pollutants in the lake and on developing an optimal treatment for the recovery of the polluted environment.