Author(s)

D. Zagar, R. Rajar, A. Sirca, M. Horvaf & M. Cetina

Abstract

The Gulf of Trieste is subject to mercury pollution from the River Soda which drains contaminated sediments from the region of a former mercury mine in Idrija, Slovenia. This results in elevated mercury levels in some marine organisms. Due to concern for human health, a study has been undertaken to predict mercury contamination trends through the use of a field program and mathematical modelling. An existing three-dimensional baroclinic mathematical model PCFLOW3D was upgraded to simulate the transport of mercury in its dissolved and particulate form. Hydrodynamics due to wind, tidal forcing and river inflow momentum can be simulated and stratified conditions can be taken into acco

Keywords