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Dye Tracer Studies

Rhodamine dye is a biodegradable, fluorescent compound which may be detected at very low concentrations. OSI has decades of experience conducting water-mass tracer studies of both natural and engineered flows using Rhodamine dye as the tracer. The data acquired with dye studies are used to support the engineering and design of outfalls and other flow structures, to satisfy environmental permit requirements, and to calibrate and validate numerical flow models.

For example, using continuous dye injection within a permitted discharge coupled with frequent surface mapping of the discharge plume, we have successfully mapped the zone of initial dilution and total plume extent as well as the dilution ratios of the discharge plume as a function of distance from the outfall. We have also conducted batch release studies which map changes in the position, shape and aerial extent of dye plume concentrations in order to support the calculation of meso-scale advection and dispersion in surface waters.

Representative Projects

Wastewater Treatment and Disposal: Alexandria, Egypt

The wastewater treatment and disposal facilities serving the City of Alexandria, Egypt were being modernized and upgraded. Feasibility studies required thorough evaluation of wastewater disposal alternatives, including an ocean outfall. To support that evaluation, OSI conducted a multi-disciplinary survey program ...
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Water Circulation: Bridgeport, Connecticut

Ocean Surveys conducted two surveys at the Bridgeport Energy Power Generation Station. First, OSI conducted a detailed field investigation of the discharge plume to determine the location and extent of the thermal plume discharge into Bridgeport Harbor.Currents, water elevation, and ...
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Water Quality Monitoring: Hudson River, New York

Ocean Surveys performed a multi-parameter oceanographic investigation of the Hudson River in the vicinity of the Tappan Zee Bridge near Tarrytown, New York. The investigation included acquisition of water quality data, dye tracer studies, a water circulation survey, and a ...
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