Engineering methodology for river and stream reaeration

Results of recent activities in river and stream aeration by artificial techniques are reviewed, and a rational engineering methodology is developed for future river and stream aeration projects. The development of the methodology follows from a thorough review of the oxygen dynamics in rivers and streams and the capabilities of aeration systems within the present state of the art. The report shows how the theoretical work can be simplified considerably and applied to the solution of river and stream water quality problems. It is assumed that aeration would only be used as a polishing action. The results indicate that artificial aeration can be applied successfully to raise dissolved oxygen to 5 ppm, using mechanical surface aerators, diffusers, downflow contactors, and sidestream mixing.