Pegase modelling studies applied to micropollutants: use cases

Abstract

For the last years, PEGASE model has been used in two studies aiming at better assessment of the source and behaviour of micropollutants in the rivers network. In the first study, with financial support from INERIS1, the PEGASE model has been used to simulate the fate of micropollutants (Cd, Zn & Cu) within the basins of the Meuse and the Adour. The choice of the modelled micropollutants and sub-basins has been performed in agreement with INERIS, the involved Water Agencies and the Aquapole. A major selection criterion was the availability of data (discharges and in-situ measurements). For the second study, the PEGASE model has been adapted to describe the cocaine fate (or rather one of its stable metabolite: benzoylecgonine–BZE) in surface water. The BZE has been added to the model as an additional micropollutant, thanks to the implementation of a new state variable. Simulations of BZE have been done in Belgium, where many measurements from the COWAT project [3] were available. The first results show a good matching between calculated and measured values. The ability of the model to simulate the fate of micropollutants (including emerging substances) within surface water has been demonstrated, but still requires enhancements and extension to other substances and sub-basins. In addition, these studies have shown the huge work remaining in discharge inventories