Determination of biorestoration strategies in eutrophic water bodies through the formulation of an optimal control problem based on a 3D ecological model

ESTRADA, V.; RODRIGUEZ REARTE, S. B.; DIAZ, M. S.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Chalkidiki; Año: 2011 vol. 29 p. 1281 - 1285

1570-7946

This paper addresses eutrophication control in lakes and reservoirs through an extended ecological three-dimensional model. We have considered volume elements for the water body and formulated mass balances for three phytoplankton groups, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphprus as organic and inorganic compounds), dissolved oxygen and biochemical demand of oxygen, as well as transport processes between elements. Biomanipulation, based on the trophic chain theory, has been considered as the main restoration strategy, through the formulation of an optimal control problem in which zooplanktivorous fish removal rate is the main control variable. The proposed approach allows detailed planning of restoration actions, as well as quantitative predictions of biomanipulation effects on phytoplankton growth and nutrient concentration profiles.