Implementation of a Far-Field Water Quality Model for the Simulation of Trace Elements in an Eastern Mediterranean Coastal Embayment Receiving High Anthropogenic Pressure

Abstract

Water quality modeling is a key element for the support of environmental protection and policymaking. The aim of this work is to describe the application of a far-field water quality model for the simulation of marine pollution occurring from heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, and zinc). The highly stressed marine area of the Saronikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean) was chosen for investigation. Major pollution sources were identified, loads were estimated, and the model was parameterized to reproduce the local seawater conditions. The distribution of the pollutants between the dissolved and particulate phases was examined. The performance of the model set-up was evaluated using field concentration measurements. The described implementation succeeded in reproducing the observed levels of pollution and therefore can be used as a baseline configuration to examine the cumulative impact of future pollution sources; for example, accidental pollution events.