Sediment transport along the Deepwater Navigational Channel of Changjiang Estuary, China

摘要

Sediment transportation is an complicated process. It has great impacts on riverbed characteristics, morphology, aquatic ecosystems and water quality. High levels of sediment concentrations can reduce the amount of light reaching lower depths and inhibit the growth of submerged aquatic plants. Consequently it will affect species which are dependent on them, such as fish and shellfish. In addition, bed sediment is sometimes the main source of nutrients and contaminants. The resuspension and transportation of sediments participate in chemical and biological processes, and influence the nutrient or contaminants cycles in water column, which would have great impact on ecosystem and water environment.