Effect of major flow diversion on sediment nutrient release in a stratified reservoir

Abstract

A process-based, hydrodynamic model that describes the mixing and transport processes in a stratified lake has been coupled to an ecological model to examine the relationship between the stratification and internal nutrient loading. The ecological model includes descriptions of algal production, nutrient cycling (including sediment release) and oxygen dynamics. An example is presented of the use of the model to examine interactions between stratification, sediment nutrient release and phytoplankton production when there is a major diversion of the inflow to a drinking water reservoir.