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Mechanisms for log normal concentration distributions in the environment
Summary
Researchers developed a mathematical model showing that the commonly observed log-normal distribution of chemical concentrations in the environment — where most measurements cluster at low levels with a long tail of high values — can be explained by simple first-order kinetics (basic source and sink processes). This finding has practical implications for how scientists model and interpret pollution data, including microplastic concentrations.
Log normal-like concentration distributions are ubiquitously observed in the environment. However, the mechanistic origins are not well understood. In this paper, we show that first order exponential kinetics onsets log-normal concentration distributions, under certain assumptions. Given the ubiquity of exponential kinetics, e.g., source and sink processes, this model suggests an explanation for the frequent observation in the environment, and elsewhere. We compare this model to other mechanisms affecting concentration distributions, e.g., source mixing. Finally, we discuss possible implications for data analysis and modelling, e.g., log-normal rates and fluxes.
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