Mathematical Model for Simulation of the Fate of Copper in a Marine Environment

A mathematical model for the simulation of the fate of copper in a marine environment was developed. The model, which describes the kinetics of copper transformation from ionic copper to complexes with dissolved organic matter and sorption on suspended sediment, is imbedded in a two-dimensional finite element model which is capable of simulating advection and diffusion processes in natural receiving waters. Kinetic rate and equilibrium constants for the model were developed independently in laboratory experiments. A test simulation was performed under realistic conditions of slug discharge of ionic copper with the cooling water from a nuclear power station situated on the California coast. Results show that the model performed correctly under the conditions assumed. Future research and development is directed toward improving description of copper kinetics under varying environmental conditions and exploring the sensitivity of the model.