Experimental Study on Foam Stability in Tailwater Discharge from Coastal Power Plants in Marine Environments
Foam pollution in the tailwater discharge from coastal power plants poses a significant challenge. However, the mechanisms underlying foam formation and stability remain understudied, which hinders the development of effective control strategies. This study investigated the impacts of temperature an...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Coasts |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-964X/5/1/9 |
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| Summary: | Foam pollution in the tailwater discharge from coastal power plants poses a significant challenge. However, the mechanisms underlying foam formation and stability remain understudied, which hinders the development of effective control strategies. This study investigated the impacts of temperature and algal concentration on foam stability in tailwater discharge from coastal power plants through simulation experiments to elucidate mechanisms of foam stability. A laboratory simulation device was developed to adjust temperature and algal concentration and measure foam layer height, half-life, bubble diameter, surface tension, and viscosity. This device was used to replicate foam scenarios typical of coastal power plant tailwater discharge to analyze the effects of temperature and algal concentration on foam stability through comprehensive data collection and analysis across various operational conditions. The findings revealed that foam stability decreased with increasing temperatures (15–45 °C). However, during hot summer months, higher temperatures (range of 30–40 °C) hindered foam dissipation owing to algal blooms and the release of surface-active substances. The functional relationship between foam stability index (half-life, foam layer height, bubble diameter) and temperature and algae concentration was established, which provides a scientific basis for predicting foam stability under different conditions. This research elucidates the complex dynamics of foam in the tailwater discharge from coastal power plants and provides insights for developing more effective foam control strategies, potentially mitigating adverse impacts on the marine ecosystem. In future research, by adding experimental conditions such as pH, ionic strength, and different types of protein polysaccharides, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of bubble generation can be achieved, providing more accurate foam suppression optimization solutions for future engineering practices. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-964X |