Erosional strength in fine sediment mixtures with organic content: Observations from laboratory studies

摘要

Cohesive sediments in natural aquatic environments are subjected to very complex dynamics and transformation processes that can influence deposition, consolidation and erosional processes. Understanding the sediment behaviour in natural ecosystems is essential in studies aiming to predict changes in morphological and ecological conditions, and also pollutant transport loads in freshwater environments. The aim of this study was to assess how interactive mechanisms in sediment deposits of fine sediments mixtures with an organic fraction influence susceptibility to erosion. Initial experimental results show significant organic matter consumption and also suggest that sediment deposits weakened through biological processes as the consolidation period lengthens. Further investigations were undertaken to better understand the dynamics of the interactions and expected transformations processes to improve understanding of how sediment bed stability develops.