Simulating the copper distribution in coastal waters and sediments in Quintero Bay and adjacent shores

This study presents a 3D hydrodynamic simulation of coastal circulation coupled with copper advection emanating from Quintero Bay, in the Valparaíso region. The bay is home to an important industrial complex and has a history of heavy metal contamination due to a copper smelter located in its northern sector. This study aims to simulate the distribution of contamination from existing sources and identify potential risk scenarios associated with copper exposure in water and sediment. A simple data assimilation method has been developed to capture elements of coastal wind not well represented by existing models used for wind forcing. The simulation period represents an austral summer, and several circulation patterns have been identified in response to external forcings. Two different point sources are considered, one within the bay (source 1), and the other just outside the south side of the bay (source 2). Simulations show advection of copper towards coastal areas north of the bay in trace concentrations from both sources, with instances at certain points within the bay when recommended thresholds for chronic and acute exposure are surpassed. Source 1 shows advection predominantly leaving the north side of the bay in surface waters, while source 2 shows advection in bottom waters periodically entering the south side of the bay. These results are consistent with existing local studies of copper concentrations in the water and sediment.