Numerical study on long-term pollutant transport in northern part of Liaodong Bay

This study employs the ECOMSED model to investigate the long-term pollutant transport mechanisms in the northern part of Liaodong Bay under the combined effects of wind, runoff and tides. Key findings reveal that runoff dominates initial transport near estuaries, while wind and the tidal reciprocation critically govern offshore diffusion pathways. Pollutants exhibit oscillatory dispersion patterns influenced by seasonal variations in runoff and wind, ultimately accumulating in the Liao River Estuary and the central-western bay. The Daliao River Estuary exhibits stronger self-purification capacity compare to the Liao River Estuary. The overall weaker environmental self-purification capacity in the northern part of Liaodong Bay hinders long-term pollutant export to the outer sea. These insights provide a scientific basis for managing land-based pollution in semi-enclosed coastal system.