Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Coliforms in Grand Traverse Bay
Subject
Grand Traverse Bay; Coliforms; Water Quality; Boardman River; Fruit Processing Waste; Michigan Sea Grant; Coliform bacteria; mathematical modeling; Cedar LakeAbstract
A steady state mathematical model for the total coliform distribution in
Grand Traverse Bay has been developed using continuity equations and experimental data
describing die-away kinetics. Advective and dispersive transport phenomena were
approximated using square-law assumptions and field dye tracer techniques. The predictive
capability of the model was verified by comparing model calculations with
observations during quasi-steady periods in 1963, 1964 and 1971. The utility of the
model was demonstrated with two examples showing coliform distributions resulting
from alternate waste disposal schemes. (Key words: Coliform bacterima;thematical
modeling;Grand Traverse Bay).
Description
FIG. 1. Traverse City area and location of municipal water intake pipe.;FIG 2 Weekly average total coliform at water intake pipe between 1956 and 1965.; FIG. 3. Average total coliform (cells/lOOml) at Traverse
City beaches, 13-17 August 1964.; FIG. 4. Forty-eight segment model
for the west arm of Grand Traverse
Bay.; FIG. 6. Comparison of computed profiles with observed total
coliform, 1964.;FIG. 7. Comparison of computed profiles with observed total
coliform, 1971.; FIG. 8. Calculated distribution of total
coliform with 90% treatment of 1964 fruit
processing wastes and introduction of two
new plants at Cedar Lake.;FIG. 9. Calculated distribution of
total coliform from 1964 loadings
with all discharge through 1500 ft
(456 m) outfall pipe.