Author(s): Rudolf Rajar; Matjaz Cetina; Milena Horva
Linked Author(s): Matjaz Cetina
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Construction of two gas terminals for transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is planned in the gulf of Trieste, Northern Adriatic. As the southern part of the Gulf belongs to Slovenia, a detailed research has been made by Slovenian expert groups, of the possible cross border impact of the two terminals on the Slovene marine and coastal environment. Simulations of resuspension of the bottom sediments, including toxic mercury during construction and operation of the terminals were made by the 3D numerical model PCFLOW3D, developed at the University of Ljubljana. Besides the simulations of hydrodynamics and some basic pollutants, special care was given to the development of the module for the simulation of transport and fate of toxic mercury. This metal was being transported into the Gulf of Trieste from a mercury mine during 500 year operation by the river flow. The model simulations showed that the construction of the two terminals would cause a resuspension of 75. 000tons of bottom sediment, and the ships transporting LNG would cause a resuspension of 175. 000 tons of sediment per year. As the sediments contain a lot of mercury, the average concentration of the highly toxic methyl mercury in the Gulf water would increase from the present 0. 05 ng/L to about 0. 09 ng/L and the concentration of Me Hg in fish from the present 0. 3 to 0. 6 mg/kg. This would influence the human health on both Slovenian and Italian sides of the Gulf. Some measures which would significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment were also proposed.
Year: 2010