Development of an Ecosystem Model Considering Sediment Redox Processes in Enclosed Water Bodies

Abstract

This study investigates enclosed water bodies to understand the intricate interactions among physical, chemical, and biological processes. A one-dimensional model, integrating sediment and ecosystem components, was developed to analyze oxygen depletion, nutrient dynamics, and the influence of sediment organic matter on oxygen concentrations due to stratification. Oxygen and nutrient concentrations were derived by combining results from a one-dimensional vertical diffusion model with the ecosystem model. The dissolution, adsorption, and desorption of inorganic substances in bottom mud react differently under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, necessitating separate formulations for reduction and oxidation reactions in the bottom mud model. In Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, dissolved oxygen levels have decreased despite regulatory efforts since the 1970s, prompting an investigation into the causes of oxygen-depleted water masses. The model was thus applied to examine oxygen consumption in Lake Biwa’s deep sediments, shedding light on anoxia in enclosed water bodies. This study emphasizes the significance of bottom sediments in water quality models and their implications for ecosystems. Furthermore, the adaptive nature of this model allows for its application in various water bodies, including freshwater reservoirs, lakes, and saltwater bays.