On the possibility of using the commercially available ECoS model to simulate Cd distribution in the Gironde estuary (France)

The ECoS model (estuarine contaminant simulator) from Plymouth Marine Laboratory (UK) was used to simulate the distribution of salinity, turbidity and cadmium (Cd) contaminant in the Gironde estuary (France). The Cd distribution (local dissolved concentration and location of the maximum) in this mixing zone during different seasons is well described by this 1D model which can be used to predict the Cd distribution along the estuary and to estimate the residence time of this contaminant in this estuary.