Utilisation of the MIKE 3 model for simulating sediment transport in coastal areas of Nam Dinh province affected by sand mining

Abstract

The application of mathematical models in assessing the environmental impact of sand mining projects plays a crucial role in forecasting and managing the effects of mining activities on the environment. Mathematical models can predict turbidity propagation, pollutant dispersion, and the impact of mining activities on environmental factors such as water quality and ecosystems, thereby providing a solid scientific basis for analysing and reporting environmental impacts. This study utilised the MIKE 3 model to simulate sediment propagation from sand dredging activities under monsoon conditions in the coastal area of Nam Dinh province. The results reveal the trend of turbidity propagation and the distribution of turbidity concentrations at various water depths. At the surface layer, sediment concentration is the lowest compared to the middle and bottom layers, with a range of approximately 0.6 km where turbidity exceeds 0.5 kg/m³ (the permissible limit according to Vietnamese standard TCVN 10-MT:2015/ BTNMT). Meanwhile, sediment concentrations in areas adjacent to the mouths of the Ninh Co river and the Day river are within the permissible limits.