Fluid Flow Analysis on Artificial Mangrove Root Model for Marine Litter Trapping

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that has affected not only the oceans and rivers but also the coastal region. While studies have been conducted to determine the pollution in mangrove forests, still little can be done to reduce the pollution issue. The intricate network of mangrove root systems contributes to this issue. This study aimed to create and analyse artificial mangrove root models by using 3D-printed models and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The models, with varying porosity levels, were tested for their ability to reduce water flow and capture debris. The results showed that the model with higher porosity (94.5%) exhibited reduced flow attenuation and delayed wake formation compared to the model with lower porosity (75.1%). Tidal wave tank experiments confirmed that higher porosity consistently led to higher debris trapping percentages, regardless of debris mass, size, or type. The increased porosity reduced flow interaction and turbulence, enhancing the effectiveness of debris trapping. These findings contribute to developing more efficient artificial mangrove systems that can effectively mitigate debris transport and accumulation in aquatic environments.