Numerical Study of Oil Spills with Flood Conditions in the Super Porto Region of Rio Grande - RS

Abstract

The growing usage of coastal areas for economic purposes is responsible for the higher risks of oil pollution in the marine environment. Accidents can occur during the extraction, transportation and storage of fuels, which causes an intense environmental degradation. Due to the difficulties of treating contaminated areas, the environmental impacts resulting from these accidents affect directly and indirectly the quality of life of the inhabitants of these regions. In this sense, three oil spill scenarios were simulated considering different environmental conditions in the harbor region of Rio Grande - RS, modeled by the ECOS oil spill model, coupled to the Telemac-3D hydrodynamic model. The simulations were used to identify the main forces that control the movement of oil slicks, as well as the final destination of the oil. The simulations of oil spill in flood events showed that the displacement of the oil slick in the first few hours has as main force the currents, and later, the action of the winds, which causes the displacement of the oil to the edges of the waterway. Thus, the ECOS model proved to be effective, showing locations susceptible to contamination in the coastal region and in places with high Coastal Sensitivity Indices. Therefore, the results of the study can serve as a basis for actions in case of accidents involving oil spills in the Patos Lagoon.