Papers published in Water Management are eligible for awards from the Institution of Civil Engineers. Papers from any of the ICE journals can be nominated for several awards. In addition, each journal has awards dedicated to their specific subject area.
On Friday 12 October 2012, ICE President Richard Coackley presented an award to the following paper published in Water Management in 2011. The editorial panel nominated their best papers and an awards committee chaired by Barry Clarke allocated the award.
Telford Premium Prize
The Telford Premium Prize, presented for the best paper on Water Management, was awarded to Nash et al. (2011).
ICE President Richard Coackley presents the Telford Premium Prize to Stephen Nash, Michael Hartnett and Tomasz Dabrowski
Abstract
The primary objective of this research was to develop a generic methodology for numerical modelling of the water quality within estuarine systems; in particular, this research focused on modelling nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton growth. This paper presents details of the developed modelling methodology and its application to Cork Harbour, an Irish waterbody that regularly experiences algal blooms. Input data requirements and, in particular, an innovative method for the determination of spatially varying initial conditions are presented. Phytoplankton dynamics are highly dependent on light intensity; a novel formulation for the light intensity component of the phytoplankton growth module was therefore developed and implemented in the model. The formula, which relates light intensity to turbidity and chlorophyll-a concentrations based on field data, is shown to achieve good results. Phytoplankton predictions were validated in an unusual but very effective manner using remote sensing techniques. A flushing module was included in the model to provide insights into transport processes. The paper demonstrates how simple flushing models may be used as a more cost-effective alternative to full water quality models for identification of potential eutrophic waters. Results from the Cork Harbour model are used throughout to demonstrate the effectiveness of the modelling methodology.
