A Lagrangian Tool for Simulating the Transport of Chemical Pollutants in the Arabian/Persian Gulf

Raúl Periáñez

doi:10.3390/modelling2040036

Abstract

A rapid-response Lagrangian model for the use in simulation of the transport of a chemical pollutant in the Arabian/Persian Gulf is described. The model is well suited to the provision of a fast response after an emergency due to an accident or a deliberate spill. It is easy to set up for any situation since only requires the modification of a few input files specifying the pollutant properties and release characteristics. Running times are short, even on a desktop PC, which makes it appropriate for a rapid assessment of a hypothetical accident occurring in the region. Baroclinic circulation was obtained from an HYCOM ocean model, and tides were calculated using a barotropic model. The interactions of pollutants with sediments (uptake/release processes) were described using a dynamic approach based on kinetic transfer coefficients and a stochastic numerical method. Some examples of model applications are shown, showing the influence of the geochemical behaviour of the pollutant in its distribution patterns.

Highlights

Assessments of pollutant concentrations in the environment partially rely on model outputs
The transport model is easy to set up for any situation since it only requires the modification of a few input files specifying the pollutant properties and release characteristics
Running times are short, even on a desktop PC, which makes it appropriate for a rapid assessment of a hypothetical accident occurring in the APG

Summary

Introduction

Assessments of pollutant concentrations in the environment partially rely on model outputs. Box models: In these models, the marine area under consideration is divided into a number of large boxes or compartments. These boxes are interconnected according to water circulation and it is assumed that the transport of pollutants between boxes is proportional to the difference in radionuclide concentration between them. It is assumed that mixing of radionuclides within each box is uniform and instantaneous. These models were widely applied to simulate the transport of radionuclides in the sea [1,2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion