Characterization and classification of estuarine suspended particles based on their inorganic/organic matter composition

An 11 hours survey was performed on the 17th of September 2014 in Rhine Region Of Freshwater Influence (Rhine-ROFI) about 10 km downstream mouth Rotterdam Waterway during calm weather conditions. Suspended Particle Matter (SPM) measurements were a full tidal cycle, near seabed, at neap tide, and samples taken 0.6 meter above bed for on-board analysis. The with (a) LISST 100X, submersible particle size analyzer, (b) LISST-HOLO, digital holographic camera, (c) home-made underwater camera (d) an LabSFLOC2 video microscopy equipment that used in-situ collected samples. first aim present study to compare results obtained from different monitoring techniques characterize types suspended particles found in-situ. It highly anisotropic water column lead multiple peaks Size Distributions (PSD) using 100X. Using these could properly be imaged meaningful PSD’s range > 20 μ m. LabSFLOC2, LISST-HOLO moreover provide information aspect ratio particles. On other hand, 100X can detect fine fraction (<20 m), is not accessible techniques. From analysis data day, three classes identified, based composition rather than (the sizes given here are purely indicative): (1) mineral (inorganic) sediment 5 - m, (2) organic/inorganic aggregates 200 m (3) organic A large settling velocities (0.1 mm/s) ratios between 1 recorded by (LabSFLOC2). This spreading due properties (shape, effective density size) column. second reproduce flocs lab investigate kinetics flocculation inorganic living matter. Laboratory experiments conducted grab Port harbour microalgae ( Skeletonema costatum ). showed shift upon addition algae sediment, which confirmed ability microalgae. occured timescale minutes having spread size, heteregeous inorganic/organic flocs. origin floc observed in-situ, leads conclude matter should important input parameter transport models.