Lado Kranjčević

Improvements of semi-implicit schemes for hyperbolic balance laws applied on open channel flow equations

In this paper, we consider a well-balanced semi-implicit one parameter family of schemes. The presented schemes are a generalization of the well-balanced upwind explicit finite volume schemes. The schemes are applied to the Saint Venant open channel flow equations. The main feature of the presented schemes is their balancing property, achieved even for the channels with the general cross section geometry. In the paper, we present the scheme algorithm and the proof of the exact conservation property when the proposed schemes are applied to the open channel flow equations. Furthermore, the schemes accuracy and stability are improved by using a local semi-implicit approach, which takes into account the CFL number locally. In this way, the highly efficient, robust, and unconditionally stable family of balanced numerical schemes is developed. Newly developed schemes are able to give accurate low diffusion results in stationary as well as in non-stationary test cases. Since particular attention is focused on the simulation efficiency on real engineering problems, an algorithm for treatment and precomputation of channel geometry parameters is presented. The algorithm significantly reduces the computational cost of the simulation. Behavior of new schemes is analyzed in several idealized test cases, and on a simulation of a realistic flood wave propagation in the Kupa river involving friction, non-uniform bed slopes and strong channel width variations.

Temporal variations analyses and predictive modeling of microbiological seawater quality

Bathing water quality is a major public health issue, especially for tourism-oriented regions. Currently used methods within EU allow at least a 2.2 day period for obtaining the analytical results, making outdated the information forwarded to the public. Obtained results and beach assessment are influenced by the temporal and spatial characteristics of sample collection, and numerous environmental parameters, as well as by differences of official water standards. This paper examines the temporal variation of microbiological parameters during the day, as well as the influence of the sampling hour, on decision processes in the management of the beach. Apart from the fecal indicators stipulated by the EU Bathing Water Directive (E. coli and enterococci), additional fecal (C. perfringens) and non-fecal (S. aureus and P. aeriginosa) parameters were analyzed. Moreover, the effects of applying different evaluation criteria (national, EU and U.S. EPA) to beach ranking were studied, and the most common reasons for exceeding water-quality standards were investigated. In order to upgrade routine monitoring, a predictive statistical model was developed. The highest concentrations of fecal indicators were recorded early in the morning (6 AM) due to the lack of solar radiation during the night period. When compared to enterococci, E. coli criteria appears to be more stringent for the detection of fecal pollution. In comparison to EU and U.S. EPA criteria, Croatian national evaluation criteria provide stricter public health standards. Solar radiation and precipitation were the predominant environmental parameters affecting beach water quality, and these parameters were included in the predictive model setup. Predictive models revealed great potential for the monitoring of recreational water bodies, and with further development can become a useful tool for the improvement of public health protection.