When the epipelic algae group growing on the concrete inclined side wall, which is typical of urban rivers and open diversion channels, enters the water flow, it will seriously affect the func-tion of the rivers or the channels. It is urgent to predict the transport capacity of epipelic algae group with water flow. However, the current research on the transport of pollutants is mostly based on mathematical models, and the study of the transport of flake epipelic algae group is extremely rare. A generalized hydrodynamic experimental model of a flume with sidewall epi-pelic algae group was established. Through a series of hydraulic experiments, the physical movement form and transport capacity of the suspended epipelic algae group on the side wall of the channel were studied qualitatively and quantitatively by taking the thickness, sheet size and flow rate of the epipelic algae group as the influencing factors. The key influencing factors of the suspension of epipelic algae are clarified, so as to quantitatively analyze the critical conditions of its suspension. Through flow scheduling, the probability of epipelic algae gathering some-where is increased. It provides a theoretical basis for realizing the long-distance migration of epipelic algae and optimizing the mathematical model.

The functionality of rivers and open diversion channels can be severely impacted when the epipelic algae group that grows on concrete inclined side walls, which are typical of urban rivers, joins the water flow. This study aims to increase the long-distance transport of epipelic algae groups in urban rivers and open diversion channels through flow scheduling and to anticipate their transport capacity with respect to water flow. Current research on contaminant movement is primarily based on mathematical models with limited data on flake epipelic algae types. A sidewall epipelic algae group in a flume was modeled using a generalized hydrodynamic experimental approach. Hydraulic experiments were conducted to study the physical movement form and transport capacity of the suspended epipelic algae group. This study suggests that the epipelic algae group will create transport movement without sedimentation when the velocity reaches 80–85% of the main flow velocity and settle to the bottom when it falls below 80%. This research can support the mathematical modelling of hydrodynamic transport, provide a research foundation for long-distance transport, and estimate potential gathering places and sediment amounts under different water flow conditions.