Paul L. Freedman

Phosphorus models for eutrophic lakes

Abstract A model is developed for a highly eutrophic lake (White Lake, Michigan) which incorporates both the water and sediment systems and considers two forms of phosphorus—particulate and dissolved. Dynamic interactions of phosphorus between sediments and water are quantified by taking account particulate phosphorus sinking to the sediment-water interface and diffusion of dissolved phosphorus across the interface. Other model mechanisms include vertical eddy diffusion in the water; phosphorus transformation between the particulate form and the dissolved form in both the water and the sediment, diffusion of phosphorus in the interstitial water, and sedimentation in the sediments. Extensive field data have been used to determine the coefficients and parameters defined in the model formulations. Close agreement between the model calculations and the observed data is obtained, especially for the upper layers of the sediment. Sensitivity analysis for the model further substantiates the model calculations. It is found that two separate forms of phosphorus are necessary to gain detailed insight into the dynamics of phosphorus cycling in White Lake. The model also explains significant releases of phosphorus during anaerobic periods from the sediment to the hypolimnion of White Lake in summer. The general applicability of the model to lakes having different degrees of eutrophication must be determined by an examination and analysis of data from other systems.