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UNIVERSITY of GUYANA
FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY
2015
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Solution / treatment
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Lake Stratification
Epilimnion, thermocline and hypolimnion are characteristics of a climatic event that occurs
in the southern hemisphere of the earth each year. This phenomenon is called stratification and it
takes effect in lakes and reservoirs, whereby the water separates in several density-temperature
profiles. Changes in temperatures and density in the water in these systems are the main cause for
stratification, and as a result, the term thermal stratification is more common. The relationship
between water density and temperature is such that an increase in temperature will result in a
decrease in water density until it reaches 4C where the density decreases for deceasing
temperature, enabling ice to float on water.
To understand how these profiles form, seasonal changes must be considered:
Pre-spring: Before the beginning of the spring season, the ice from winter has just begun to
melt on the lake or reservoir surface (lake will be used for further discussion). This melting
of ice will continue until spring.
Spring: After all the ice has been melted, the water in the lake will have generally a constant
temperature throughout the lake from the surface to the bottom. Wind action allows slow
circulation and mixing of the water via currents that move from the surface to the bottom
and back up. This allows for the transport of oxygen to the bottom of the lake and is termed
spring overturn. As spring progresses, the sun begins to warm the waters surface (per se
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the first several feet since solar radiation decreases with depth). Due to the temperaturedensity relationships mentioned before, this warm layer of water remains on top of the
cooler water below it, forming is what is known as the epilimnion and it has similar
temperature throughout. The cooler water layer below this is called the hypolimnion. These
two layers are separated by a layer of water which changes rapidly in temperature with
depth. This changing layer is called the thermocline (or metalimnion).
These three layers of water with distinct temperature characteristics is what is happens in
thermal stratification.
Lake stratification can be limited and managed by installing several aeration equipment in
the lake medium. They function and reduce lake stratification by mixing air in the water in
the stratified layers by making the layers more thermally stable. Aeration will also eliminate
some of the problems of eutrophication and will act as a water quality enhancer.
The following table is the summarized characteristics for the epilimnion, thermocline and
hypolimnion.
Layer
Epilimnion
Hypolimnion
Thermocline
Average location
(depth)
<25 ft.
>40 ft.
(25-40) ft.
Oxygen level
Balanced with
atmosphere
Very low
(stressful)
Adequate
Description
Some amount of turbidity due to presence
of algae brought up by water currents from
lake bottom ideal for algae growth.
Algae growth usually results in greenish
hue to this layer
Bacterial decay of nutrients and organic
matter aiding in low oxygen levels
Sparingly turbid and lack of sunlight and
photosynthesis
Maybe temporary layer or may not occur at
all.
Has high entropy and its agitated nature
allows for the up drafting of algae and
nutrients to the epilimnion
Water in the hypolimnion would prove to be most suitable for water use in my opinion. This is
because of the absence of most planktons and algae. However, the layer is known to have low
oxygen levels and amounts of iron, manganese is expected to be present. These constituents might
be a limiting factor in the use of water from this layer. If this occurs, water may be taken from the
thermocline.
Water from the epilimnion is not selected since the presence of large amounts of algae and
planktons might cause eutrophication almost year round (except in winter). This makes the
purification process of the water timelier.
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FIG 1 lake stratification in the summer showing expected temperature differences Source:
(Shaw, 2014)
The pH of the water to be treated (essentially taken as the raw water alkalinity)
The amount of turbidity present
The nature of the turbid particle
This means that the water quality assessment is essential before the commencement of any
coagulation process. These factors will then determine the subsequent mixing energies
required to carry out the coagulation process, and whether there exist a need for coagulant
aids. Typically, low turbidity waters require coagulant aids in addition to the use of
primary coagulants, and requires more turbulence or mixing to achieve maximum charge
neutralization of the particles. Higher turbidity waters can be effectively treated with just
the use of a primary coagulant. Furthermore, additives may need to be added to stabilize
the pH water during the coagulation process in order to optimize the functioning
conditions of the coagulant throughout the process the pH of the raw water will need
determine the extent to which this is needed.
The evaluation of the aforementioned coagulant parameters can be achieved by using the
jar test. The jar test is one of the most popular means of conducting these tests. The tests
conducted are as follows:
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Filtration
Intake structures
Intake
retrieve water for supply system
Chlorine
Disinfection
Storage
Sedimentation
Screeing
prevent damge to equipment
prepare water for treatment
Coagulation
necessary for preparing colloidal
particles for flux formation
removal of colloidal size particles
Distribution
provide water to consumers
Flocculation
very importation for the formation of
large enough fluxs to foster
sedimentation
allows patriculate flox to sediment
easily
Rapid mixing
Intake
Retrieves water from deep well
Distribution
Aeration
Softens water by removal of iron
and manganese
Removes carbon dioxide,
hydroden sulfide and other
constituents
Filtration
Aids in the removal of organic
matter and other particles that
affect turbidity
Storage
Provides buffer for distribution
system by safely storing water
Chlorination
Renders the water safe to drink
by dissinfection
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References