Model of zebra mussel growth and water quality impacts in the Seneca River, New York

Abstract

A dynamic water quality model was developed to support management decision-making for the Seneca River, New York. The model incorporated two-dimensional hydrodynamics to simulate stratification observed within the system, a carbon-based zebra mussel growth model to account for the impact of this invasive species on water quality within the system, and a mechanistic representation of sediment diagenesis to account for zebra mussel-induced changes in carbon cycling. The Seneca River is on New York State's 303(d) list of impaired water bodies for nonattainment of dissolved oxygen criteria and is being considered as the potential receiving water for diverted effluent from an 85 million gallon per day (MGD) wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) serving the City of Syracuse, New York. The model was developed to examine the feasibility of such a diversion. The model was parameterized using site-specific field and laboratory studies and accurately simulated six years of routine, generally biweekly, river monitoring data for dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, nitrogen, and phosphorus, collected over a range of flow conditions. The diagnostic application of the calibrated model provided valuable insights into the complex feedback mechanisms that exist within the system, particularly the role that zebra mussel filtration, respiration, and elimination have on phytoplankton production, sediment oxygen demand, and nutrient cycling within the system. © 2009 Copyright by the North American Lake Management Society.