Modelling pollutants transport scenarios based on the X-Press Pearl disaster

Rulent, Julia; James, Molly K.; Rameshwaran, Ponnambalam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8972-953X; Jardine, Jennifer E.; Katavouta, Anna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1587-4996; Wakelin, Sarah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2081-2693; Jayathilaka, Ruchira; Arulananthan, Kanapathipillai; Holt, Jason ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3298-8477; Sutton, Mark A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1342-2072; Artioli, Yuri. 2024 Modelling pollutants transport scenarios based on the X-Press Pearl disaster. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 209 (A), 117129. 17, pp. 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117129

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Text © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 1-s2.0-S0025326X24011068-main.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (11MB) | Preview

Abstract/Summary

The MV X-Press Pearl accident near Sri Lanka in May 2021 released several pollutants into the ocean, including 1843.3 t of urea, raising concerns about the impact on the region. This study uses a coupled ocean (NEMO)–biogeochemistry (ERSEM) model to simulate urea dispersion under various scenarios. While it doesn't directly reflect the real accident, it provides insights into the potential impact of similar chemical spills. By adjusting tracer release rates and timing, we assessed their impact on the distribution of the chemical plume. Findings show slower release rates prolong higher urea concentrations, potentially causing phytoplankton blooms, while monsoon conditions significantly affect dispersal patterns. Due to a lack of publicly available urea observations, we used particle tracking experiments validated with data on plastic nurdle beaching. This research shows how a simpler, affordable scenario approach could inform the management of chemical spills without a fully developed operational oceanographic system.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117129
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Atmospheric Chemistry and Effects (Science Area 2017-) Hydro-climate Risks (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	0025-326X
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	passive tracer modelling, high resolution, coastal pollution, shipwreck
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Hydrology Biology and Microbiology
Date made live:	24 Oct 2024 09:57 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/538287

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