PhD Numerical modelling of plastics dispersal in aquatic environments

The main task of the PhD project is the development and validation of a versatile numerical modelling tool in the TELEMAC modelling system (www.openTELEMAC.org) to simulate the fluxes and fate of plastics in the Scheldt Estuary and along the Belgian coast. The model will take into account the 3 dimensional spatial distribution in an original way, making distinction between floating, suspended, bed load transported and deposited fractions. Innovative methods will be developed to account for a varying size distribution by fragmentation and for biofouling effects. Field sample and remote sensing data will be provided by partner institutes in the cSBO PLUXIN project (financed by VLAIO through the Blauwe Cluster). Additional laboratory experiments will be carried out to study the effects of biofouling and flow turbulence on the sedimentation behavior of plastic particles.