Modelling, Transport and Assessment of Aquatic Toxic Metals in Coastal Ecosystems

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a two-dimensional water quality model that solves hydrodynamic equations tied to transport equations with reactions mechanisms inherent in the processes. This enable us to perform an accurate assessment of the pollution in a coastal ecosystem. The model was developed with data drawn from the ecosystem found in Mexico's southeast state of Tabasco. The coastal ecosystem consists of the interaction of El Yucateco lagoon with the Chicozapote and Tonalá rivers, that connect the lagoon with the Gulf of Mexico. We present the results of pollutants transport simulation in the coastal ecosystem, focusing on toxic parameters for two hydrodynamic scenarios: wet and dry seasons. As it of interest in the zone, we study the transport of four metals: Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel and Lead. In order to address our objectives we solved numerically a self-posed mathematical problem,which is based on the measured data. The performed simulations show to characterise metal transport within the acceptable range of accuracy and in accordance with the measured data. The performed simulations show to characterise metals transport with an acceptable accuracy, agreeing well with measured data in total concentrations in four control points along the water body. Although for the accurate implementation of the hydrodynamic-based water quality model herein presented, boundary (geometry, tides, wind, etc.) and initial (concentrations measurements) conditions are required, it poses as an excellent option when the distribution of solutes with high accuracy is required, easing environmental, economic and social management of coastal ecosystems.

Approximate Methods for Solving Differential Equations for Continuous Models of a Sustainable Economy

“…In [12] the authors studied demand forecasting, a model based on stochastic differential equations. It may also be noted that in addition to continuous models of the economy based on linear differential equations and their systems, there are also two-dimensional models, such as, [13,14], which involve partial differential equations, but we will focus only on ordinary linear differential equations, the range of coverage of economic models which are diverse. For processes accompanied by jumps, differential equations of fractional order of differentiation are used, economic problems with jumps refer to the problems of sustainable economy.…”