Integrated modelling in coastal lagoons: Sacca di Goro case study

Abstract

A coupled 3D hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model was developed and implemented for the Sacca di Goro coastal lagoon. The model considers nutrient and oxygen dynamics in water column and sediments. Among the biological elements, phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, Ulva sp. and commercial shellfish (Tapes philippinarum) were taken into consideration. Nutrients fluxes from the watershed and open sea, as well as atmospheric inputs, heat flux, light intensity and wind shear stress at the water surface constituted the model forcing functions. The comparison of numerical results with available measurement data indicated that the model was able to capture the essential dynamics of the lagoon. This model has also been used to estimate clam productivity and its impacts on water quality and lagoon properties. © 2008 The Author(s).