Numerical solution of the advective-diffusion equation

Abstract

The general public has recently become aware of the problems posed by the indiscriminate discharge of industrial and domestic pollutants in our waterways. This has become particularly acute in aquatic systems adjacent to areas of dense population. The effect of growing public awareness of the abuse of the environment has resulted in legislation to control pollutant discharges into our waterways. Engineers, scientists and managers have resorted to modelling of aquatic systems in order to conform with legislation. These models can be used to ensure that effective steps are taken to improve the quality of polluted waters and to estimate the consequences of new or increased pollutant discharges into our waterways. With accurate predictions a reasonable compromise between environmental constraints and utilization of water resources may be achieved.