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CitationLovindeer, R., Fulton, E. A., Allen, S. E., Garate, J. P., Latornell, D. J., Morzaria-Luna, H., & Morell, A. (2025). Equations for modelling contaminant impacts throughout a marine ecosystem. Ocean Modelling, 102646. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2025.102646)
TitleEquations for modelling contaminant impacts throughout an ecosystem
Publication Year2026
Volume199
Pages102646
Keywordsecosystem modeling, oil spill, contaminants
AbstractBiological risk assessment modelling for oil spills using whole-of-ecosystem models has the benefit of assessing species-specific toxicology and the chronic impact of oil spills by layering these impacts on top of the alreadybuilt ecosystem within the model. This approach typically requires tracking contaminants as they move throughout the biology of the ecosystem, from uptake to loss. Here we consolidate and expand on existing equations that can be used in ecosystem models for tracking contaminants and determining their impact on biology and throughout the food web, demonstrating how these equations work individually as well as in tandem using an Atlantis ecosystem model. Although we focus on oil-based contaminants in our examples, the equations presented can be applied to any contaminants in the aquatic or marine environment.
Official CitationLovindeer, R., Fulton, E. A., Allen, S. E., Garate, J. P., Latornell, D. J., Morzaria-Luna, H., & Morell, A. (2025). Equations for modelling contaminant impacts throughout a marine ecosystem. Ocean Modelling, 102646.
Links (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2025.102646)