Simulation of ecological impacts of the new outer-harbour development in Zeebrugge

The new outer-harbour in Zeebrugge is to be protected by jetties extending 1,750 m seaward, This development will alter the local distribution of tidal and residual currents. Such hydrodynamic changes will, in turn, affect the dispersion pattern of dissolved and particular matters in the vicinity of Zeebrugge. A mathematical model is presented, which simulates the dispersion - before and after outer harbour development - of dissolved organic matters, faecal bacteria and heavy metals, which are indicative of, respectively domestic, human, and industrial pollutions.