A three-dimensional numerical model for eutrophication and pollutant transport

A 3D numerical model has been developed for the analysis of dispersion of suspended solids and conservative pollutants released into ambient water and their effect on trophic behaviour. It uses a finite differences scheme for spatial integration and a Runge–Kutta IV order or the Euler scheme for temporal integration. It includes the advection and diffusion of the considered variables and the analysis of biochemical interaction between phytoplankton, nutrients, zooplankton, detritus and dissolved oxygen. The release of nutrients and pollutants due to river discharge or to sediment re-suspended by sea bottom dredging is also considered. Model performance has been tested against analytical solutions.