Simulation of a biogeochemical model in different lakes

Abstract

Eutrophication, caused by nutrients leached from soil and emitted from point sources, is a well-known problem in many Swedish lakes. There are several countermeasures that can be used to reduce eutrophication. A model that can simulate the biogeochemical response to different management scenarios may help with nutrient reducing strategies. Results from applications with such a model to different types of lakes are presented in this paper. The most important variables simulated by the model are dissolved nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and phosphorus) and phytoplankton. Other variables include nitrogen fixating cyanobacteria, sediments, and zooplankton. In total, 14 state variables are simulated. Nutrients are supplied through tributaries, and the temperature and vertical mixing forced by meteorological input. The model is able to simulate effects of changing nutrients and plankton dynamics. It is promising as an instrument for evaluating various measures to improve water quality in lakes. However, for the lakes the model has been applied to, the model has been calibrated to available observations. Non-monitored lakes could also be interesting to simulate, therefore the parameters of the model set-ups are discussed in this paper.