Modelling the fate of persistent organic pollutants in europe: parameterization of a gridded distribution model
A regionally segmented multimedia fate model for the European continent is described together with an illustrative steady-state case study examining the fate of small gamma, Greek-HCH (lindane) based on 1998 emission data. The study builds on the regionally segmented BETR North America model structure and describes the regional segmentation and parameterization for Europe. The European continent is described by a 5 degree x 5 degree grid, leading to 50 regions together with four perimetric boxes representing regions buffering the European environment. Each zone comprises seven compartments including; upper and lower atmosphere, soil, vegetation, fresh water and sediment and coastal water. Inter-regions flows of air and water are described, exploiting information originating from GIS databases and other georeferenced data. The model is primarily designed to describe the fate of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) within the European environment by examining chemical partitioning and de gradation in each region, and inter-region transport either under steady-state conditions or fully dynamically. A test case scenario is presented which examines the fate of estimated spatially resolved atmospheric emissions of lindane throughout Europe within the lower atmosphere and surface soil compartments. In accordance with the predominant wind direction in Europe, the model predicts high concentrations close to the major sources as well as towards Central and Northeast regions. Elevated soil concentrations in Scandinavian soils provide further evidence of the potential of increased scavenging by forests and subsequent accumulation by organic-rich terrestrial surfaces. Initial model predictions have revealed a factor of 5 10 underestimation of lindane concentrations in the atmosphere. This is explained by an underestimation of source strength and/or an underestimation of European background levels. The model presented can further be used to predict deposition fluxes and chemical inventories, and it can also be adapted to provide characteristic travel distances and overall environmental persistence, which can be compared with other long-range transport prediction methods.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 819956
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-54147; ENPOEK; R&D Project: E123-01; TRN: US200324%%163
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Pollution, Vol. 128, Issue 1-2; Other Information: Journal Publication Date: 2004; PBD: 1 Dec 2003; ISSN 0269-7491
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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