Integrated water quality management in Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong: a case study

Tolo Harbour is an almost land-locked semi-enclosed sea inlet with a narrow outlet in the South China Sea. With the rapid growth in economic development and urbanization, evidence of increasing eutrophication is seen by the drastic increase in the severity and frequency of algae blooms, which are closely correlated to the excessive nutrient loading. The bottom waters in Tolo Harbour exhibit serious dissolved oxygen depletion. A co-ordinated sequence of pollution control activities are being undertaken by the Hong Kong Government. Technological advances can be utilized in effective water quality management in the coastal zone. This paper presents the application of a robust three-dimensional numerical eutrophication model, integrating hydrodynamics with water quality, for simulation of the algal growth dynamics and water quality processes. After calibration and verification, the tool is used to predict different eutrophication scenarios as well as the effectiveness of alternative management solution strategies.