Ecological modeling and eutrophication—A review

Abstract

During the several last decades, environmental scientists use numerical modeling as a tool in their studies and investigations of aquatic systems. Ecological and hydrodynamic models are developed in parallel regarding their complexity, uncertainty, and computational power. Ecological models have been used to assess ecosystem processes and interactions, simulate future scenarios, evaluate remedial practices in response to eutrophication etc. This review paper deals with the progress in ecological modeling related to eutrophication processes, specifically in models that describe the trophic state dynamics of hypoxic/anoxic aquatic ecosystems. Nine dynamic ecological models coupled or noncoupled with hydrodynamic models have been discussed based upon their history, complexity, limitations, recent detailed modeling applications, and their important results. The advantages and disadvantages of these models are presented along with their application areas.

Modelling eutrophication in lake ecosystems: A review

“…Several review papers focusing on mechanistic models have been published (e.g. Anagnostou et al, 2017;Arhonditsis and Brett, 2004).…”

“…They are therefore often coupled with a detailed hydrodynamic model and validated on field data. A comparison between nine complex dynamic models commonly used to study eutrophication can be found in (Anagnostou et al, 2017). Structurally dynamic models have then been proposed to add flexibility in the structure of the models (Jørgensen, 2015).…”

Evaluation of Algal Control Measures in Eutrophic Reservoirs Based on Aquatic Ecosystem Models

“…Aquatic ecological models describe the inherent mechanisms of change between individuals or populations in aquatic ecosystems, linking hydrology, water quality, meteorology, and other factors. They are mainly used to study eutrophication, biological enrichment, and food chains in aquatic systems [23]. Modern aquatic ecosystem models take into account the interaction between multiple factors in nature and spatiotemporal changes.…”

“…In recent years, many domestic studies have been conducted on this topic. For example, Wu et al used the EFDC model to predict the trends in chlorophyll and algal blooms and provided the criterion for the evaluation of algal bloom levels [23,24]. Dang et al developed a DELFT3D model and analyzed the impact of temperature, wind forcing, and nitrogen-phosphorus inputs on algal blooms, and they concluded that the simultaneous reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus is more effective in controlling algal growth [25].…”

Synergistic interaction among reservoirs along a cascade system and their response to the ongoing anthropogenic and climatic pressures: evidence from deterministic hydrodynamic-biogeochemical modelling

“…However, most of these reviews were in the context of aquatic ecosystem models, applied not only to lakes and reservoirs, but also to rivers, estuaries, wetlands and oceans (e.g. Anagnostou et al, 2017;Brewer et al, 2018;Costa et al, 2019;De Goede, 2020;Robson 2014b), also including other modelling approaches, such as statistical and empirical models (e.g. Voinov et al, 2018).…”