Search

Searching. Please wait…

Detalle_Publicacion

A model for describing the eutrophication in a heavily regulated coastal lagoon. Application to the Albufera of Valencia (Spain)

Abstract: A simplified two-dimensional eutrophication model was developed to simulate temporal and spatial variations of chlorophyll-a in heavily regulated coastal lagoons. This model considers the hydrodynamics of the whole study area, the regulated connexion of the lagoon with the sea, the variability of the input and output nutrient loads, the flux from the sediments to the water column, the phytoplankton growth and mortality kinetics, and the zooplankton grazing. The model was calibrated and validated by applying it to the Albufera of Valencia, a hypertrophic system whose connection to the sea is strongly regulated by a system of sluice-gates. The calibration and validation results presented a significant agreement between the model and the data obtained in several surveys. The accuracy was evaluated using a quantitative analysis, in which the average uncertainty of the model prediction was less than 6%. The results confirmed an expected phytoplankton bloom in April and October, achieving mean maximum values around 250 ?g l?1 of chlorophyll-a. A mass balance revealed that the eutrophication process is magnified by the input loads of nutrients, mainly from the sediments, as well as by the limited connection of the lagoon with the sea. This study has shown that the developed model is an efficient tool to manage the eutrophication problem in heavily regulated coastal lagoons.

Other publications of the same journal or congress with authors from the University of Cantabria

 Fuente: Journal of Environmental Management 2012, 112, 340-352

 Publisher: Elsevier

 Publication date: 01/12/2012

 No. of pages: 13

 Publication type: Article

 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.08.019

 ISSN: 0301-4797,1095-8630

 Publication Url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.08.019

Authorship

PILAR DEL BARRIO FERNANDEZ

JOSE ANTONIO REVILLA CORTEZON