Decision support system for produced water discharges in offshore operations

The main objective of this study is to develop decision support software with an application to characterize risk of produced water released from offshore platforms during operation. The specific objectives are: (1) development of a database for produced water contaminants; (2) integration of a chemical database with selected initial dilution and subsequent dispersion models; (3) development of a probabilistic fish growth model; (4) development of human health cancer and non-cancer risk assessment methodologies using probabilistic concepts; (5) development of a methodology to estimate the distribution of chemicals in the bones/shell/skeleton and flesh of a fish; and (6) application of the methodologies to a hypothetical case study. A chemical specific approach rather than total toxicity approach was employed to predict exposure concentration. Both deterministic and probabilistic hydrodynamic initial dilution models were used in this research. Monte Carlo simulations were performed in the probabilistic analysis.; This study has introduced a concept of chemical distribution within a fish's body and variability in the lipid contents in the fish. The change in edible parts during the exposure period has been predicted through a probabilistic fish growth model and integrated with the human health risk assessment methodologies. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...