High resolution modelling of fate and transport of organic micropollutants and their effect on ecosystems in small rivers

有强有力的证据表明，我们的淡水水源中越来越多的有机微污染，如制药废物和杀虫剂，对水生生物有害。环境局和水务行业将大量精力放在开发一种全面的源头指定模式以监测化学品排放(SAGIS-SAMIT)。然而，尽管这些模型存在于国家范围内，但微小污染物在小型动态河流系统中的命运和行为从未得到准确描述。高度动态的系统可以在很短的时间内看到水流和排放负荷的数量级变化。这意味着目前基于简单稀释和一级动力学的模型不足以描述系统。我的博士项目的目标是：(I)开发一个小尺度河流模型，在高时间和空间分辨率下耦合水文和水质模拟。(Ii)校准和验证关键微污染物的模型。与Wessex Water合作，将选择一条小河进行案例研究，以收集所需的生物和化学数据。(Iii)将该模型用作风险评估工具，以确定对水生生物和特定生态系统功能的时间和地点相关风险。它还将被用来运行多个应急事件，以预测减排方案的影响。如果我的目标是成功的，这个模型将使决策者深入了解小河流微污染的时间依赖风险概况。这可能导致重新评估遵守水质条例和维持安全饮用水供应所需的减排战略。此外，有可能将我的模型整合到SAGIS-SIMCAT建模系统中，从而加强全国监测战略。该项目与NERC相关，NERC是资助该项目的研究委员会，因为它寻求解决GW4 Fresh博士培训中心的关键研究主题。具体地说，该项目旨在解决与淡水生态系统面临的新的全球变化风险有关的主题。

There is strong evidence to suggest that the growing presence of organic micro-pollution in our freshwater sources, such as pharmaceutical waste and pesticides, are harmful to aquatic life. The Environment Agency and water industry has put a lot of focus on developing a comprehensive source appointment model to monitor chemicals emissions (SAGIS-SAMIT). However, whilst these models exist on a national scale, the fate and behaviour of micro-pollutants in small dynamic river systems has never been accurately described. Highly dynamic systems can see a change in water flow and emission loads by orders of magnitude in a very short time. This means that the current models, that are based on simple dilution and first order kinetics, become inadequate at describing the system.My PhD project will aim to:(i) Develop a small-scale river model that couples hydrological and water quality modelling at high temporal and spatial resolution.(ii) Calibrate and validate the model for key micro-pollutants. In collaboration with Wessex water, a small river will be selected for a case study to collect the biological and chemical data needed.(iii) Use the model as a risk evaluation tool to identify time and location dependent risks to aquatic life and specific ecosystem functions. It will also be used to run multiple contingencies to predict the effects of abatement options. If my aims are successful, this model will give decision makers insight into the time dependent risk profile of micro-pollution in small rivers. This may lead to a reassessment of abatement strategies needed to comply with water quality regulations and maintain a safe supply of drinking water. Also, the possibility could exist to integrate my model into the SAGIS-SIMCAT modelling systems and therefore strengthen the nation-wide monitoring strategy. The project has relevance to NERC, the research council that funds the project because it seeks to address the key research themes of the GW4 FRESH centre for doctoral training. Specifically, this project aims to address the theme related to emerging global change risks to freshwater ecosystems.