Modelling Desorption Rates and Background Concentrations of Heavy Metals Using a One-Dimensional Approach

Harmful heavy metals (HHM) in marine sediments pose significant ecological and human health risks. This research developed a novel one-dimensional mathematical model to investigate the desorption rates and background concentrations (Cbg) of HHM in cohesive sediments of coastal environments, using Cartagena Bay (CB), Colombia, as a reference for estuarine systems. The model integrates mass balance and molecular diffusion equations incorporating porosity and tortuosity. Both particulate and dissolved phases of HHM were considered. Numerical experiments were conducted over 28 years with a daily time step, simulating four primary hydrodynamic processes: molecular diffusion, desorption, sedimentation, and turbulent water exchange. The spatiotemporal evolution of Cbg provides valuable insights for sediment modelling, policy development, and advancing the understanding of HHM pollution in sediments. Results of the model align closely with empirical data from CB, demonstrating its applicability not only to local conditions, but also to similar contaminated areas through a generalized approach. This model can be used as a reliable computational tool for managing coastal environments.