Author(s): Wen-Cheng Liu
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Numerical modeling; Copper flux; Hydrodynamic; Salinity; Suspendedsediment
Abstract: A vertical two-dimensional copper fluxes transport model was developed for applying the real case in the Danshuei River estuarine system of Taiwan. The heavy metal model was incorporated into the hydrodynamic, the salt transport and the sediment transport modules. The model has been validated with observed time series data of suspended sediment concentrations in 2001 and 2002. An exponential relationship was established to relate variation in partition coefficient of copper to salinity and suspended sediment concentrations in the Danshuei River estuary. Comparisons of the total, dissolved, and particulate copper concentrations calculated by the numerical model and measured data along the Danshuei River-Tahan Stream show good agreement. It is noteworthy that the model requires a point source of total copper with the strength of 250 kg/day to account for the observed persistently high total copper concentration near Hsin-Hai Bridge in the Tahan Stream (a tributary of Danshuei River estuary), about 24 km upriver from the river mouth. The huge garbage dump site near the Hsin-Hai Bridge is likely the main source of heavy metal pollution.
Year: 2009