Water Management

Impacts of climate change on streamflow and floodplain inundation in a coastal subtropical catchment

Climate change is expected to significantly alter river hydrological regimes throughout the world, affecting water resources and the frequency of floods and droughts. This study aimed to determine the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on streamflow and floodplain inundation in the subtropical Logan-Albert catchment in Queensland, Australia.

Coupled data-driven and process-based model for fluorescent dissolved organic matter prediction in a shallow subtropical reservoir

Monitoring and understanding the dissolved organic matter (DOM) cycle in drinking water reservoirs is crucial to water authorities, since most water treatment practices aim to remove DOM to prevent the formation of potentially harmful by-products during disinfection. A vertical profiling system (VPS) installed in reservoirs can continuously detect the presence of naturally fluorescent DOM (fDOM) and determine the fDOM transport process.

In the present study, we collected and analysed VPS and sampling data, then developed and assessed an innovative coupled data-driven and process-based model. These models were able to forecast future fDOM in both temperate and extreme weather conditions. Modelling scenario analysis concluded that deeper layers of the reservoir, as well as areas close to the riverine zone, had higher fDOM concentrations than any other zones during storm events

Sediment transport in a shallow coastal region following severe flood events

Severe floods usually result in harmful sediment and pollutant dispersion in shallow coastal regions. This study presents a three-dimensional hydrodynamic and transport model investigation into the sediment transport behaviour following severe flooding that occurred in the Brisbane River catchment. It was found that the flood-driven sediment plume formed in the adjacent Moreton Bay, then spread into the northern part of the bay. Based on analysis of the variations in horizontal sediment flux, four distinct characteristics of sediment transport were identified, corresponding to the combined effects of flooding runoff and tidal currents.

Water circulation and impact on water quality in a coral reef lagoon: Erakor Lagoon, Vanuatu

This study investigated flushing time in Vanuatu’s Erakor Lagoon and Port Vila Bay 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 a decrease was observed upstream and in Vila Bay.

Spatial wave assimilation by integration of artificial neural network and numerical wave model

Ocean wave information is generally limited, particularly at nearshore. Attempts have been made to reconstruct spatial wave information, including using numerical wave models. The simulation results, however, often contain errors, making wave assimilation essential. This study aims to develop a spatial wave assimilation algorithm for significant wave height (Hs) and peaked wave period (Tp), using an artificial neural network (ANN) with data at a specific site.

Coastal Groundwater Dynamics

Coastal groundwater dynamics are induced by the interaction between the coastal ocean and the coastal aquifer. This interaction results in a dynamic response in the coastal aquifer that influences the availability and quality of the coastal groundwater resource and the mobility of sediments on beaches.

Our team uses physical and numerical modelling techniques to study these interactions. Our laboratory houses a 9 m x 1.5 m x 0.15 m groundwater flow flume, used to test and examine flow dynamics under a range of different forcing regimes.

The influence of climate change on groundwater resources in the Dead Sea Basin, Jordan

The Dead Sea Basin in Jordan is in an arid climate, highly dependent on groundwater to meet potable and agricultural water demand. This project employs a blend of process-based groundwater modelling (MODFLOW) and machine learning method to examine the influence of climate change on the projected, sustainable groundwater yield.

Impacts of climate change on surface runoff, streamflow, evaporation and crop water requirements

Estimating the impacts of climate change on water resources is essential for efficient future water management. This is particularly important in Southeast Queensland (SEQ), Australia, a region projected to be significantly impacted by climate change. This project employs modelling and simulation to quantify the changes in surface runoff, streamflow, evaporation and crop water requirements in SEQ under climate change scenarios.

Additionally, physical and numerical modeling and simulation are used to investigate mechanisms to reduce water losses due to evaporation in regions with high evaporative demands.

For more information, as well as PhD opportunities, please contact project leader Dr Fernanda Helfer.

Sustainable energy technologies for seawater desalination

Seawater desalination has become one of the most important water treatment and drinking water production technologies in the world. Many desalination technologies, however, are associated with high investment costs, high energy consumption, and environmental pollution. This project aims to conceptualise, investigate and model innovative seawater desalination technologies such as FO-RO, UF-RO, PRO-RO and membrane distillation, while also assessing their energy, environmental and economic performance.

For more information, as well as PhD opportunities, please contact project leader, Dr Fernanda Helfer.