Biomonitoring of Chemically Hazardous Objects Using Pollutant Migration Modelling Tools

Abstract

The article is devoted to the description and scientific substantiation of a method for the biomonitoring system efficiency improvementof chemically hazardous objects using identification environmental polygons. The authors noted that when processing the results of this biomonitoring system, the terrain features and the related pollutantmigration are not taken into account. To solve the above mentioned problem, the authors propose to implement methods and techniques for modeling pollutant migration (PP) on digital elevation models (DEM) of the territory into the system for processing biomonitoring results. A method for organizing biomonitoring of chemically hazardous objects (CHO) using identification ecological polygons (IEP) with the implementation of tools for PP migration modeling in vertical and horizontal directions is proposed. In this case, modeling the vertical migration paths of PP means modeling PP washing out from the atmospheric air of the CHO influence zone. Modeling the horizontal migration of PP means modeling the precipitation movement to places of terrain depression on the DEM of the territory and their further accumulation in these areas. Using the example of a former chemical weapons storage and destruction facility (KSDH), a step-by-step description of the method for organizing biomonitoring of KSDH is provided. The first stage includes the assignment and analysis of the initial data and boundary conditions where DEM territories are selected or the creation of its own simplified DEM is carried out. The results of the territory terrain assessment are presented in numerical form, the initial data for modeling are obtained by letter designations and units of measurement. At the second stage of the work, the vertical migration of PP is simulated by sequentially calculating the amount of PP washed out of the atmospheric air. A graphical description and calculation of the absorption process are provided. At the third stage, the modeling of horizontal migration of PP in the soil is carried out. The final result of the analysis is the identification of a certain DEM cellvolume where there is a delay in PP, which indicates that the set goal has been achieved. Based on the results of the above description, conclusions are drawn about the results predicted by using modeling tools in the IEP biomonitoring system, which consist in substantiating the system of placing sampling points (points), increasing the accuracy and reliability of biomonitoring result processing.