Numerical analysis of transport and accumulation of floating marine litter in the Black Sea

Floating marine litter (FML) presents a global challenge due to its threats to marine life and human health, especially in semi-enclosed basins like the Black Sea. The slow water replenishment and significant input from European rivers contribute to the accumulation of FML in this region. Addressing this issue is crucial, and the DOORS European Union Project focuses on developing strategies to mitigate its impact on the marine ecosystem and human populations in the Black Sea. Recent scientific studies in the area have increased, employing methods such as counting, distribution analysis, estimation of riverine input, and numerical models to understand circulation patterns. The LOCATE tool, based on the Lagrangian solver OceanParcels, is introduced for predicting high FML accumulation areas, adapted and validated specifically for the Black Sea. Simulations using surface currents and Stokes drift data from the Copernicus Marine Service reveal the south-western area as a high accumulation zone, influenced by cyclonic circulation and significant FML input from rivers like the Danube. The inclusion of Stokes drift significantly affects particle behavior, emphasizing the importance of this factor in modeling FML movement. This forecasting tool is considered a starting point, with future improvements expected through the incorporation of coupled hydrodynamic models, increased resolution, and enhanced accuracy in coastal processes.