Modelling trace metal concentration distributions in estuarine waters

Abstract

Details are given of a numerical model study of the fate and transport of trace metals in estuarine waters, with particular application to the Mersey Estuary, located along the northwest coast of England. A dynamically integrated model was first developed, including a two-dimensional depth-integrated model and a one-dimensional cross-sectional averaged model. This model was then refined to predict the hydrodynamic and sediment and trace metal transport processes in the Mersey Estuary. Details are given of the development of a governing equation of the total trace metal transport, including both dissolved and particulate metals. The model was first calibrated against field data, collected during spring and neap tidal cycles, for water levels, salinity and suspended sediment. The calibrated model was then used to investigate the trace metal transport processes in the Mersey Estuary, with the partition coefficient between the dissolved and adsorbed particulate phases being modelled as a function of salinity. Comparisons were also made between the model predictions and field-measured data along the estuary. Reasonable agreement between the model results and field data has been obtained, indicating that the novel approach to model metal concentration distributions is capable of representing the fate and transport of trace metals in estuarine environments and can be used as computer-based tool for the environment management of estuarine waters.