Water circulation and impact on water quality in the southwest of Efate Island, Vanuatu

Faivre, Gaelle and Sami, Erie and Mackey, Brendan and Tomlinson, Rodger and Zhang, Hong and Kotra, Krishna K. and Aimbie, Jim and Maniel, Michael and Vieira de Silva, Guilherme and Rand, Emily C. (2021) Water circulation and impact on water quality in the southwest of Efate Island, Vanuatu. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 173 . NA. ISSN 0025-326X

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Abstract

In Small Island Developing States (SIDS), water pollution is not monitored or assessed frequently enough to fully understand the processes, impacts of water quality issues and what solutions are available This study investigated flushing time in Erakor lagoon and Port Vila Bay, Vanuatu using a numerical model developed in Delft3D. Microbial contamination by Escherichia coli was detected in multiple locations in the lagoon system with counts exceeding thresholds related to human health concerns. Modelling demonstrated a poor flushing time overall with a further decrease as the influence of waves and wind increased, especially in Vila Bay. Sea level rise resulted in an increase in flushing time downstream of the lagoon near the open sea, while with a decrease upstream and in Vila Bay. Based on these results, we recommend long-term continuous monitoring and identification of higher risks areas to prioritise decisions around wastewater management.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Residence time; Lagoon; E.coli; Vanuatu; Water quality
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Krishna Kotra
Date Deposited:	21 Sep 2021 00:01
Last Modified:	21 Sep 2021 00:01
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/13000

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