Integrated modelling of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the marine environment: Coupling of hydrodynamic, fate and transport, bioaccumulation and planktonic food-web models

Dimitar Marinov, Sibylle Dueri, Ingrid Puillat, Roberta Carafa, Elena Jurado, Naiara Berrojalbiz, Jordi Dachs, José Manuel Zaldívar

Research output: Indexed journal article Articlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Spatio-temporal variability of pollutants in the environment is a complex phenomenon that requires a combined approach for its analysis. Whereas data on measured levels of contaminants in various environmental compartments is essential, it is not always possible to monitor at the necessary frequency and with the adequate spatial sampling distribution to capture this variability. Therefore a modelling approach able to complement experimental data and close the gaps in the monitoring programs is useful for assessing the contaminant dynamics occurring at different time scales. In this work a 1D water column fate model has been developed and tested for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). The model has been coupled with a simple ecological model that includes a bioaccumulation module. Afterwards, the model has been used to study the temporal variability of contaminant concentrations as well as the fluxes between compartments. The results evidence the complex coupling between spatio-temporal scales and its influence on environmental concentration levels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1554-1561
Number of pages8
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume58
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ecological and bioaccumulation modelling
  • Environmental variability
  • Hydrodynamics fate
  • PAHs
  • POPs

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