Author(s): Donatella Termini
Linked Author(s): Donatella Termini
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Freshwater mussels can live in sand and gravel bed rivers. The presence of mussels enhances the effects determined by the rough-bed on the kinematic characteristics of flow. The present work reports preliminary results of an experimental study performed in a straight laboratory gravel-bed flume both in absence and in presence of an isolated and partially buried mussel. Results show that, in the absence of mussel, because of the presence of gravels the streamwise velocity profiles show an inflection point, with the formation of a mixing layer whose thickness varies passing from the banks to the channel axis. The presence of mussel modifies the shape of the velocity profile and the distribution of the specific flux of mass around it, but a different behaviour has been identified between dead and alive mussel, in relation with its filtrating capacity. This effect could influence the filtration of suspended material, exerting an important impact on fish-habitat.
Year: 2024