GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop: Addressing Challenges in Mercury Dynamics Modelling Across Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land
From 9 to 11 October 2024, mercury scientists convened in Portorož, Slovenia, for a collaborative workshop aimed at advancing the understanding of how mercury emissions and releases influence environmental mercury levels. This event brought together two key scientific initiatives: the Global Mercury Observation Training Network (GMOS-Train) and the Multi-Compartment Mercury Modelling and Analysis Project (MCHgMAP).
Dr. Ashu Dastoor from Environment Canada led the MCHgMAP discussions, with the team focusing on refining computer models that simulate mercury dynamics across different environmental compartments. Participants reviewed previous atmospheric and oceanic mercury models and agreed to rerun simulations using updated mercury emission data. These new findings will be presented at the upcoming Open-Ended Scientific Group (OESG) meeting in March 2025, supporting the Minamata Convention's efforts in addressing global mercury pollution.
On the GMOS-Train side, Dr. Milena Horvat from the Jožef Stefan Institute chaired the network's final meeting. GMOS-Train, funded by the European Union, has successfully trained a new generation of PhD students in mercury science, with many already contributing to OESG efforts. Additional researchers volunteered to support the OESG by joining the expert roster.
Representing the Minamata Convention Secretariat, Senior Programme Management Officer Mr. Eisaku Toda chaired a session on mercury emissions, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific findings into policy frameworks.
The joint workshop highlighted the critical role of collaboration between scientific networks and policy-making bodies in addressing the global challenges posed by mercury pollution.
Dr. Johannes Bieser Presents Keynote on Mercury Modelling at 40th ITM Conference
In a keynote lecture at the 40th International Technical Meeting on Air Pollution Modelling and its Applications (ITM), Dr. Johannes Bieser shared findings from the GMOS-Train project. His presentation focused on the application of multi-compartment modeling of mercury (MCHgMAP) to support the Minamata Convention’s effectiveness evaluation.
The ITM conference, established in 1969 under NATO-CCMS, remains a leading platform for discussing the latest advancements in air pollution modeling. Dr. Bieser’s keynote emphasized the importance of GMOS-Train’s findings in enhancing global understanding of mercury transport and its environmental impacts. This work plays a crucial role in assessing international efforts to reduce mercury pollution in accordance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Day 2 and 3 of GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop
The workshop concluded with a joint session that outlined the steps for the next phase of MCHgMAP simulations, integrating new data and improving model accuracy. Participants also reflected on the workshop’s achievements and planned future collaborations.
As the meeting wrapped up, attendees left with a shared commitment to continue enhancing the scientific understanding of mercury pollution and its impacts on the environment.
The workshop provided a significant platform for scientists to collaborate, share knowledge, and contribute to the global effort to mitigate mercury pollution, in alignment with the objectives of the Minamata Convention.
First Day of GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop in Portorož
The MCHgMAP coordination meeting
The MCHgMAP coordination meeting will be held from October 9-11, 2024, in Portorož,
Slovenia, organized by the Meteorological Synthesizing Centre – East (MSC-E), in collaboration with the Jožef
Stefan Institute and the EU GMOS-Train project.