Surveys and analyzes of the sediment regime of the Lainsitz river for a sustainable sediment management in future
Abstract
The Lainsitz river is characterized by a strongly changed sediment regime, as it is typical in the waters of the region of the Mühlviertel and Waldviertel. So-called silting (grain sizes 1 - 10 mm) poses a particular challenge (e.g. increased risk and damage potential in the event of flooding due to reduced discharge capacity, loss of habitats due to sand accumulation) clogging of the pore space and, as a carrier of nutrients and trace substances, influence the water quality as well. Moreover, in the Lainsitz river, dredging has to be carried out on a regular basis, which is associated with a high costs and negative consequences for the ecology due to the turbidity caused. So far, no measures have been implemented that would have led to a permanent and sustainable improvement of the situation. The river pearl mussel (M. margaritifera), which is threatened with extinction, and of which there are still residues in the Lainsitz river, would particularly benefit from a long-term improvement in the quality of the sediment regime. The scientific findings and the combination of effective, integrative measures that are developed in this project should take into account the complex processes in the catchment area and at the same time meet the requirements of the legislation. With the newly gained information and based on the findings from previous studies, a sediment management concept including overview and detailed maps for various project-relevant subject areas and detailed proposals for measures will be developed. The working steps provided for this are (i) the mapping of fundamental water-specific parameters, (ii) the analysis of volumetric sediment samples of the upper and lower layers, (iii) the creation of hydrodynamic-numerical models (1D and 2D) and (iv) the analysis of the catchment area using GIS-based methods. The project results provide a well-founded database that is a decision-making aid for future planning in order to avoid incorrect planning and to be able to plan measures in the water body and in the catchment area in a targeted and sustainable manner.
Publikationen
Project staff
Christoph Hauer
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Christoph Hauer
christoph.hauer@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81912
Project Leader
01.07.2021 - 30.09.2023
Sophie Humenberger
Dipl.-Ing. Sophie Humenberger B.Sc.
sophie.humenberger@boku.ac.at
Project Staff
01.07.2021 - 30.09.2023