Experimental Study on the Effects of Salinity and Sediment Concentration on the Settling Velocity of Fine-Grained Sediments in Still Water

Lu Bingxuan; Huang Rui; Chen Zhong; Zhang Jiabao; Zhang Wei

doi:10.12284/hyxb2026000

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Haiyang Xuebao > 2026 > Accepted Manuscript

Lu Bingxuan，Huang Rui，Chen Zhong, et al. Experimental Study on the Effects of Salinity and Sediment Concentration on the Settling Velocity of Fine-Grained Sediments in Still Water[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(x)：1–9 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2026000

Citation:

PDF( 2626 KB)

Experimental Study on the Effects of Salinity and Sediment Concentration on the Settling Velocity of Fine-Grained Sediments in Still Water

doi: 10.12284/hyxb2026000

1.
State Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
2.
China Communications Shanghai Navigation Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China

Received Date: 2025-12-15
Rev Recd Date: 2026-02-12

Available Online: 2026-03-12

Abstract

Abstract

Settling velocity is a key parameter in the dynamic characteristics of fine-grained cohesive sediments, holding significant importance for understanding the movement patterns of fine sediments and predicting the evolution of scour and fill in port channels. Due to their small particle size, large specific surface area, and tendency for flocculation between particles, the settling velocity of fine-grained cohesive sediments is influenced by multiple factors, with salinity and sediment concentration exerting particularly significant effects. Using in situ sediment samples collected from the Jiaxing Port channel, 42 sets of hydrostatic settling velocity tests were conducted in a sedimentation tank. These tests covered a salinity range of 0–15‰ and a sediment concentration range of 1–20 kg/m³, examining the combined effects of varying salinity and sediment concentration. The results indicate that when salinity is below 7–9‰, settling velocity increases gradually with rising salinity. beyond this range, settling velocity gradually decreased and stabilised with further salinity increases. For sediment concentrations below 8–10 kg/m³, velocity increased with concentration; above this threshold, velocity progressively decreased. Furthermore, compared to the influence of individual factors, salinity and sediment concentration exhibit synergistic effects, with their combined impact exerting a greater influence on sedimentation velocity. A comparative analysis was conducted on the effects of salinity and sediment concentration on sedimentation velocity under varying conditions. A formula for the hydrostatic sedimentation velocity of fine-grained sediments under different salinity and sediment concentration conditions was established through fitting, and validated against previous research findings. These results may provide relevant reference for studies on sediment transport patterns within the Jiaxing Port channel.
- Fine-grained Sediment,
- Settling Velocity,
- Salinity,
- Sediment Concentration,
- Settling Column

FullText(HTML)

References(40)

References

[1]	金鹰, 王义刚, 李宇. 长江口粘性细颗粒泥沙絮凝试验研究[J]. 河海大学学报(自然科学版), 2002, 30(3): 61−63. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-1980.2002.03.014 Jin Ying, Wang Yigang, Li Yu. Experimental study on flocculation of cohesive fine grain sediment at Yangtze River Estuary[J]. Journal of Hohai University, 2002, 30(3): 61−63. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-1980.2002.03.014
[2]	时钟, 朱文蔚, 周洪强. 长江口北槽口外细颗粒悬沙沉降速度[J]. 上海交通大学学报, 2000(1): 18−23. Shi Zhong, Zhu Wenwei, Zhou Hongqiang. Settling velocity of fine suspended sediment in the Changjiang Estuary[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 2000(1): 18−23.
[3]	Odum B, Xu Chunyang, Chen Yongping, et al. Experimental study on the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on flocculation and settling properties of fine-grain sediment[J]. International Journal of Sediment Research, 2023, 38(6): 821−833. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsrc.2023.08.001
[4]	Winterwerp J C, Bale A J, Christie M C, et al. Flocculation and settling velocity of fine sediment[J]. Proceedings in Marine Science, 2002, 5: 25−40. doi: 10.1016/s1568-2692(02)80006-7
[5]	黄建维. 海岸与河口黏性泥沙运动规律的研究和应用[M]. 北京: 海洋出版社, 2008. Huang Jianwei. Research and Application of the Movement Patterns of Viscous Sediments in Coastal and Estuarine Environments[M]. Beijing: Ocean Press, 2008. (查阅网上资料, 未找到对应英文翻译信息, 请确认)
[6]	Owen M W. The effect of turbulence on the settling velocities of silt flocs[C]//Proceedings of the 14th Congress of the International Association of Hydraulic Research (IAHR). Paris, 1971: 27−32. (查阅网上资料, 未找到出版者信息, 请确认并补充)
[7]	匡翠萍, 郑宇华, 顾杰, 等. 泥沙颗粒团沉速[J]. 同济大学学报(自然科学版), 2016, 44(12): 1845−1850, 1866. doi: 10.11908/j.issn.0253-374x.2016.12.006 Kuang Cuiping, Zheng Yuhua, Gu Jie, et al. Settling velocity of sediment particle clouds[J]. Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2016, 44(12): 1845−1850, 1866. doi: 10.11908/j.issn.0253-374x.2016.12.006
[8]	郑枫, 张金凤, 付佳宁. 温度对高岭土絮凝沉降影响的沉降筒实验研究[J]. 水动力学研究与进展, 2018, 33(6): 801−806. doi: 10.16076/j.cnki.cjhd.2018.06.018 Zheng Feng, Zhang Jinfeng, Fu Jianing. Experiment study on the effects of temperature on the flocculation and settling of kaolinite in the settling column[J]. Chinese Journal of Hydrodynamics, 2018, 33(6): 801−806. doi: 10.16076/j.cnki.cjhd.2018.06.018
[9]	蒋勤, 崔莉, 聂思航, 等. 长江口航道淤泥流变特性试验研究[J]. 水科学进展, 2021, 32(1): 79−87. doi: 10.14042/j.cnki.32.1309.2021.01.008 Jiang Qin, Cui Li, Nie Sihang, et al. Experimental study on rheological properties of soft mud in Yangtze River Estuary[J]. Advances in Water Science, 2021, 32(1): 79−87. doi: 10.14042/j.cnki.32.1309.2021.01.008
[10]	乔光全, 张金凤, 张庆河, 等. 紊动对黏性泥沙絮凝沉降影响的实验研究[J]. 天津大学学报(自然科学与工程技术版), 2014, 47(9): 811−816. Qiao Guangquan, Zhang Jinfeng, Zhang Qinghe, et al. Experimental investigation of the influence of turbulence on the flocculation and settling of cohesive sediment[J]. Journal of Tianjin University (Science and Technology), 2014, 47(9): 811−816.
[11]	毛根海, 程伟平, 章军军, 等. 静水中抛泥过程泥沙云团下落运动机理研究[J]. 浙江大学学报(工学版), 2005, 39(11): 1663−1668. Mao Genhai, Cheng Weiping, Zhang Junjun, et al. Motion mechanism of particle clouds formed by dumping dredged material into quiescent water[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University (Engineering Science), 2005, 39(11): 1663−1668.
[12]	蒋国俊, 姚炎明, 唐子文. 长江口细颗粒泥沙絮凝沉降影响因素分析[J]. 海洋学报, 2002, 24(4): 51−57. Jiang Guojun, Yao Yanming, Tang Ziwen. The analysis for influencing factors of fine sediment flocculation in the Changjiang Estuary[J]. Haiyang Xuebao, 2002, 24(4): 51−57.
[13]	Portela L I, Ramos S, Teixeira A T, et al. Effect of salinity on the settling velocity of fine sediments of a harbour basin[J]. Journal of Coastal Research, 2013, 65(sp2): 1188−1193. doi: 10.2112/si65-201.1
[14]	万远扬, 吴华林, 沈淇, 等. 潮汐环境下细颗粒泥沙沉降速度研究述评Ⅲ——沉速的影响因子[J]. 水运工程, 2014(5): 21−25. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1002-4972.2014.05.004 Wan Yuanyang, Wu Hualin, Shen Qi, et al. Reviews on settling velocity of fine sediment in tidal environment 3: controlling factors[J]. Port & Waterway Engineering, 2014(5): 21−25. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1002-4972.2014.05.004
[15]	王家生, 陈立, 刘林, 等. 阳离子浓度对泥沙沉速影响实验研究[J]. 水科学进展, 2005, 16(2): 169−173. Wang Jiasheng, Chen Li, Liu Lin, et al. Experimental study on effect of positively charged ion in river on the velocity of sediment particles[J]. Advances in Water Science, 2005, 16(2): 169−173.
[16]	杨扬, 庞重光, 金鹰, 等. 长江口北槽黏性细颗粒泥沙特性的试验研究[J]. 海洋科学, 2010, 34(1): 18−24. Yang Yang, Pang Chongguang, Jin Ying, et al. Experimental study on characteristics of cohesive sediment in North Passage of the Yangtze River (Changjiang) estuary[J]. Marine Sciences, 2010, 34(1): 18−24.
[17]	陈邦林, 陈国平, 韩庆平. 用粉体接触角技术研究长江口表层底泥的润湿性[J]. 海洋科学, 1993(3): 26−30. Chen Banglin, Chen Guoping, Han Qingping. A study on wettabilities of fine particulate sands in the changjiang river estuary by the contact angle of powder[J]. Marine Sciences, 1993(3): 26−30.
[18]	关许为, 陈英祖. 长江口泥沙絮凝静水沉降动力学模式的试验研究[J]. 海洋工程, 1995, 13(1): 46−50. doi: 10.16483/j.issn.1005-9865.1995.01.007 Guan Xuwei, Chen Yingzu. Experimental study on dynamic formula of sand coagulation sinking in stationary water in Changjiang Estuary[J]. The Ocean Engineering, 1995, 13(1): 46−50. doi: 10.16483/j.issn.1005-9865.1995.01.007
[19]	白玉川. 河口泥沙运动力学[M]. 天津: 天津大学出版社, 2011. Bai Yuchuan. Hydrodynamics of Estuarine Sediment Transport[M]. Tianjin: Tianjin University Press, 2011. (查阅网上资料, 未找到对应英文翻译信息, 请确认)
[20]	Montserrat F, Suykerbuyk W, Al-Busaidi R, et al. Effects of mud sedimentation on lugworm ecosystem engineering[J]. Journal of Sea Research, 2011, 65(1): 170−181. doi: 10.1016/j.seares.2010.09.003
[21]	You Zaijin. The effect of suspended sediment concentration on the settling velocity of cohesive sediment in quiescent water[J]. Ocean Engineering, 2004, 31(16): 1955−1965. doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2004.05.005
[22]	万远扬, 吴华林, 沈淇, 等. 长江口悬沙沉速室内试验研究[J]. 海洋科学, 2015, 39(8): 78−85. doi: 10.11759/hykx20130721002 Wan Yuanyang, Wu Hualin, Shen Qi, et al. Experimental study on the settling velocity of suspended sediment in the Yangtze River Estuary[J]. Marine Sciences, 2015, 39(8): 78−85. doi: 10.11759/hykx20130721002
[23]	钱宁. 高含沙水流运动[M]. 北京: 清华大学出版社, 1989. Qian Ning. Movement of High-Sediment-Content Water Flows[M]. Beijing: Tsinghua University Press, 1989. (查阅网上资料, 未找到对应英文翻译信息, 请确认)
[24]	杨云平, 李义天, 胡欣宇, 等. 长江口悬沙浓度变化趋势及成因[J]. 泥沙研究, 2014(6): 51−57. Yang Yunping, Li Yitian, Hu Xinyu, et al. Variation trend of suspended sediment concentration in Yangtze Estuary[J]. Journal of Sediment Research, 2014(6): 51−57.
[25]	陈曦. 长江口细颗粒泥沙静水沉降试验研究[D]. 青岛: 中国海洋大学, 2013. Chen Xi. Experimental study on deposition in static water of fine sediment of Yangtze River Estuary[D]. Qingdao: Ocean University of China, 2013.
[26]	Mehta A J, Partheniades E. An investigation of the depositional properties of flocculated fine sediments[J]. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 1975, 13(4): 361−381. doi: 10.1080/00221687509499694
[27]	张庆河, 张娜, 胡嵋, 等. 黄骅港泥沙静水沉降特性研究[J]. 港工技术, 2005(1): 1−4. Zhang Qinghe, Zhang Na, Hu Mei, et al. Settling properties of Huanghua Harbour sediment in still water[J]. Port Engineering Technology, 2005(1): 1−4.
[28]	唐杰平, 陈德志, 李高聪. 实验室内细颗粒泥沙沉降速度与悬沙浓度关系评估[J]. 海洋技术学报, 2023, 42(5): 86−93. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1003-2029.2023.05.011 Tang Jieping, Chen Dezhi, Li Gaocong. Evaluation of the relationship between settling velocity and suspended sediment concentration for fine sediment in laboratory[J]. Journal of Ocean Technology, 2023, 42(5): 86−93. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1003-2029.2023.05.011
[29]	MoayeriKashani M, Hin L S, Ibrahim S. Experimental investigation of fine sediment deposition using particle image velocimetry[J]. Environmental Earth Sciences, 2017, 76(19): 655. doi: 10.1007/s12665-017-7001-2
[30]	Van Wijngaarden M, Roberti J R. In situ measurements of settling velocity and particle size distribution with the LISST-ST[M]//Winterwerp J C, Kranenburg C. Proceedings in Marine Science. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2002: 295−311.
[31]	庞玲, 张科利, 朱明, 等. 泥沙沉降速度实验研究方法回顾与评述[J]. 人民黄河, 2006, 28(5): 50−52. Pang Ling, Zhang Keli, Zhu Ming, et al. Retrospection and comment on study method of sedimentation velocity tests[J]. Yellow River, 2006, 28(5): 50−52.
[32]	McLaughlin R T Jr. The settling properties of suspensions[J]. Journal of the Hydraulics Division, 1959, 85(12): 9−41.
[33]	封光寅, 章厚玉, 张孝军, 等. 泥沙群体颗粒平均粒径及平均沉速计算方法的修正[J]. 南水北调与水利科技, 2003, 1(6): 36−38. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-1683.2003.06.013 Feng Guangyin, Zhang Houyu, Zhang Xiaojun, et al. Silt calculation method & formula revision of average particle size and setting velocity[J]. South-to-North Water Transfers and Water Science & Technology, 2003, 1(6): 36−38. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-1683.2003.06.013
[34]	范杨臻, 杨国录, 陆晶, 等. 电离作用下黏性细颗粒泥沙絮凝沉降数值模拟[J]. 华中科技大学学报(自然科学版), 2015, 43(2): 103−108. Fan Yangzhen, Yang Guolu, Lu Jing, et al. Numerical simulation of flocculation-settling of cohesive fine sediment with ionization[J]. Journal of Huazhong University of Science & Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2015, 43(2): 103−108.
[35]	周晶晶, 金鹰, 冯卫兵. 电解质与粘性细颗粒泥沙絮凝的关系[J]. 武汉理工大学学报(交通科学与工程版), 2007, 31(6): 1071−1074. doi: 10.3963/j.issn.2095-3844.2007.06.034 Zhou Jingjing, Jin Ying, Feng Weibing. Relationship between electrolyte and cohesive fine sediment flocculation[J]. Journal of Wuhan University of Technology (Transportation Science & Engineering), 2007, 31(6): 1071−1074. doi: 10.3963/j.issn.2095-3844.2007.06.034
[36]	于上, 谢卫明, 何青, 等. 黄河口潮滩泥沙絮凝研究[J]. 海洋学报, 2022, 44(11): 99−110. Yu Shang, Xie Weiming, He Qing, et al. Study of sediment flocculation in tidal flat of Huanghe River Estuary[J]. Haiyang Xuebao, 2022, 44(11): 99−110.
[37]	陈洪松, 邵明安, 李占斌. NaCl对细颗粒泥沙静水絮凝沉降影响初探[J]. 土壤学报, 2001, 38(1): 131−134. Chen Hongsong, Shao Ming’an, Li Zhanbin. Preliminary study on the effect of NaCl on fine sediment flocculation and settling in still water[J]. Acta Pedologica Sinica, 2001, 38(1): 131−134.
[38]	Manning A J, Langston W J, Jonas P J C. A review of sediment dynamics in the Severn Estuary: influence of flocculation[J]. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2010, 61(1/3): 37−51. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.12.012
[39]	Soulsby R L, Manning A J, Spearman J, et al. Settling velocity and mass settling flux of flocculated estuarine sediments[J]. Marine Geology, 2013, 339: 1−12. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2013.04.006
[40]	吴宇帆. 长江河口细颗粒泥沙沉降速度研究[D]. 上海: 华东师范大学, 2016. Wu Yufan. Study on the settling velocity of fine sediment in the Changjiang Estuary[D]. Shanghai: East China Normal University, 2016.