"A general model to take into account the distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the water column as well as POPs interaction with the atmosphere and sediments has been developed. The model has been adapted to deal with several families of POPs, including PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), PBDEs (Polybrominated Dyphenyl Ethers) and PCDD/Fs (Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans). The simulated time series concentrations for one year are in general in good agreement with experimental observations from literature for these families of contaminants. However, specific designed campaigns still need to be performed to validate the model with a set of homogenous forcings concerning air and historical sediment concentrations as well as data on evolution of concentrations in the water column and in the surficial sediment layer. The model is being coupled with a biogeochemical model to assess the influence of phytoplankton, zooplankton and bacteria on the dynamics of POPs. In a further step, the model will be used to analyze the data obtained from different experimental campaigns carried out in Thresholds as well as mesocosm experiments."

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