Numerical modeling of the dispersion and accumulation of marine litter from the Dniester River in coastal areas of the northwestern Black Sea

Abstract

This study investigates the transport and accumulation of Floating Marine Litter (FML) in the northwestern Black Sea, with a focus on the influence of the Dniester River and regional circulation patterns, including the Sevastopol Eddy. Two numerical modeling configurations (C1 and C2) are compared to assess their effectiveness in simulating FML dispersion. While both configurations show similar final beaching percentages, C2, which incorporates pre-calculated shoreline distances, can be more spatially accurate as it accounts for the complex shape of the coastline. The model's capability is validated through comparisons with previous models, satellite-derived Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), and in situ observations from the 2017 EMBLAS campaign. These comparisons highlight FML accumulation patterns, particularly at the mouth of the Dniester River in the Zatoka region and in open waters within the Northwestern Shelf (NWS). The study suggests a correlation between satellite SPM observations and microplastic (MP) presence in coastal zones around the Dniester River, indicating avenues for future research. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for coastal management, with significant implications for environmental conservation strategies in the northwestern Black Sea.