Spreading and accumulation of river-borne sediments in the coastal ocean after the environmental disaster at the Doce River in Brazil

This study is focused on the fate of a large volume mine slurry discharged from Doce River (DR) to coastal ocean after worst environmental disaster in Brazilian which occurred November 2015. We used Eulerian (ROMS) and Lagrangian (STRiPE) numerical models, as well satellite remote sensing data, spreading seafloor accumulation fine river-borne sediments during initial six months following disaster. show that regions intense sediment were determined by patterns surface-advected DR plume. The river discharge rate governed plume surface area, while its position depended local wind forcing conditions. carried was dominated southward transport caused prevailing upwelling-favorable northeasterly winds period. Under high conditions, transported over 100 km mouth reached outer shelf. In contrast, arrested near drought periods remained inner As result, accumulated seafloor, mainly shallow shelf area mouth. Conversely, only small fraction residue deposited northward. Thus, Environmental Protection Area (EPA) Costa das Algas, located 40 DR, potentially exhibited more susceptibility arrival. On other hand, their influence Abrolhos Marine National Park, 200 northeastward mouth, presumably minimal.