PhD in Numerical modelling of plastic dispersal from rivers to the sea

Included in the LABPLAS project, this PhD will investigate plastic (Micro and meso ) dispersal dynamics in European rivers (Elbe, Thames rivers and Mero Barces Basin) and in the North Sea. The goal is to develop an exhaustive plastic dispersal numerical model, including complex plastic particle behaviors (settling, weathering, biofulling, sedimentation, wave and wind drift, beaching, fragmentation, ...). The problem will be addressed in the Eulerian framework using the TELEMAC suite. Plastic concentration will be computed using population balance equations combined with the method of moments to allow entire distribution modelling at a lower computational cost. The framework of this PhD also includes experimental work to better understand plastic particle behavior under different flow conditions such as turbulence.