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Modeling trace elements over Athabasca oil sands region in Alberta, Canada using WRF-Chem
Jingliang Hao1, Yongsheng Chen1, Leiming Zhang2
1Department of Earth and Space Science & Engineering, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 27, 2025
Summary
This study simulated particulate element transport in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, revealing rapid decreases in concentration and deposition with distance. Model results highlight seasonal biases and uncertainties in emission rates and deposition schemes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Geochemistry
Background:
- The Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) is a major source of particulate elements, posing risks to human and ecosystem health.
- Understanding the atmospheric transport and deposition of these elements is crucial for environmental management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate the atmospheric transport and deposition of eight key elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Si, Ti, Zn) in the AOSR.
- To assess model performance against measurements and identify sources of uncertainty in simulations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the WRF-Chem model with a regional-scale emission database for element transport and deposition simulations.
- Incorporated point, area, and stack emissions, considering plume rise for accuracy.
- Conducted sensitivity tests on emission seasonality and deposition schemes to quantify uncertainties.
Main Results:
- Modeled concentrations and deposition decreased significantly with distance from the central industrial area.
- Annual concentration differences between model and measurements ranged from -56% to 25%.
- Simulations showed higher concentrations in the cold season (110%) and lower in the warm season (29%) compared to measurements, attributed to constant emission rates.
Conclusions:
- WRF-Chem can simulate particulate element behavior in the AOSR, but seasonal biases exist.
- Emission rates and deposition schemes are significant factors contributing to model uncertainties.
- Further refinement of emission inventories and deposition processes is needed for improved accuracy.
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