Modelling particle size distribution in TELEMAC-2D with Population Balance Method
Shettigar, N.A.; Riom, W.; Bi, Q.; Toorman, E.A. (2022). Modelling particle size distribution in TELEMAC-2D with Population Balance Method, in: Bourban, S.E. et al.Proceedings of the XXVIIIth TELEMAC user conference, 18-19 October 2022, Paris-Saclay. pp. 255-263
Modelling transport of microplastic particles in aquatic environments is challenging owing to the heterogeneity of the particles. Conventional Lagrangian and Eulerian modelling approaches come with the restriction of defining singular particle properties. Drawing inspiration from other scientific disciplines, particle heterogeneity is addressed in this work using population balance equations (PBE) with the method of moments solution. As a first step, a wide size range of microplastics is considered as internal coordinate of the number density function (NDF). The moment transport equation includes source and sink terms of erosion and deposition respectively. The method is implemented in the TELEMAC-2D and WAQTEL environments. The test case of a channel with steady state flow and erosion and deposition zones is implemented. The results of the model show physically meaningful NDFs after episodes of erosion and deposition. Further model development is planned to include the integral source and sink terms such as aggregation and breakage of flocs of microplastic and sediment particles.
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