By james art 
Miami’s Biscoutine has been confronted with a series of environmental problems in recent years, most recurring fish killings caused by poor water quality. The main contribution is the flow of urban pollutants and water flow, which enter the bay through channels such as the small river in Hyalea. The waterway is one of the most polluted in the county due to the high concentrations of chemicals and waste.
A team of elderly in ecological engineering working under the guidance of David ChinProfessor of Ecological Engineering in CollegeHe collaborated with the Ministry of Ecological Resources Management in Miami-Dad to identify sources of pollution and to develop green infrastructure to help prevent environmental damage.
“We collect and analyze data on the quality of water from the monitoring stations on the channel along the Little River,” says Deshaw Brandford, a leading team project. “The last semester has completed the diving phase with project data to find the cause of water disorders. We are now moving to the design phase, which is guided by the data analysis. “
As part of their senior design project, Brandford and his team – Mackenzie Howel, Sarah Murphy, Ali Plan and Bale Gian – not just study the problem; They offer real, science -based solutions. Their approach focuses on the design of green infrastructure, including permeable flooring to reduce surface runoff; Cells and biosiols to filter pollutants before reaching the water road; infiltration trenches for rainwater control and improvement of groundwater recharge; and raingardens and irrigation systems to help absorb excess water naturally.
“The purpose of all these green infrastructures is to divert the stream away from the canal and in groundwater,” Brandford said. “His interruption will provide him with natural filtration that removes pollutants. None of them will connect to the channel after being fulfilled. “
The team has visited the sites at key locations along the Little River, evaluating the drainage models and the availability of space to determine the most effective solutions. Currently, they are analyzing three main places, plus the place of discharge where the channel is emptied into Biscain Bay.
A unique aspect of the senior college design project is that students have a direct client – in this case DERM. In the conclusion of the project, students will submit a comprehensive engineering report of the county, which details their findings, proposed decisions and implementation strategies. The project will also include modeling to simulate how recommendations can improve water quality and mitigate the pollution in the bay.
“Senior Design Projects in the Environmental Engineering Program Generally Focus on Addressing Contemporary Environmental Issues, and on Proping Innovative Solutions That Use Stat-Fart Forms That Are Ready For Implementation, ”Said Chin. De-List the Canal From ITS Present Classification by The Department of Environmental Protection in Florida (FDEP) as disturbed water due to increased levels of bacteria.
Brandford and his team will show their research and offered designs in Senior Design Exhibition on April 29 at the Student Center ShalalaWhere senior engineering students will present their stones. Expo offers a unique opportunity to see first -hand how engineering students deal with real -world challenges through engineering innovation.