System Dynamics Modeling for Effective Strategies in Water Pollution Control: Insights and Applications

Abstract

Water pollution is a significant environmental challenge with implications for both the natural world and human well-being. To better understand and manage the complex interactions within water pollution systems, such as waste dumping in the sea, system dynamics modeling has emerged as a valuable tool. This simulation-based approach employs feedback loops and cause-and-effect relationships to capture the dynamic behavior of such systems over time. By simulating various waste disposal scenarios and assessing their impacts on the environment and human health, system dynamics modeling aids policymakers and waste managers in devising effective strategies for the sustainable management of dumping sites into the sea. In this manuscript, we present a system dynamics approach to model water pollution control. Our study entails the development of a conceptual model that encompasses pollution sources, pollutant transport and fate, and their effects on water quality and human health. By calibrating and validating the model using data from a case study in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, United States, we ensure its accuracy and reliability. The results highlight the model’s versatility in simulating different pollution control scenarios, particularly those involving dredging discharge and powerhouse effluent. Through these simulations, we gain valuable insights into the potential impacts of various pollution control measures on water pollution dynamics. Our research underscores the significance of system dynamics modeling in comprehending intricate water pollution systems, including those associated with waste dumping in the sea. By identifying effective strategies for water pollution control, this approach offers invaluable support in safeguarding marine ecosystems and human communities. In conclusion, system dynamics modeling proves to be a powerful tool for sustainable water pollution management. This research demonstrates its utility in analyzing dumping sites in the sea and provides essential findings to inform effective pollution control strategies. Emphasizing the broader context of water pollution, this study contributes to advancing knowledge and fostering sustainable practices to protect our precious water resources.