Modeling phosphorus flux in the sediments of Onondaga Lake: Insights on the timing of lake response and recovery

Gilbert N. Lewis, Martin T. Auer, Xinyu Xiang and Michael R. Penn

Ecological Modelling, 2007, vol. 209, issue 2, 121-135

Abstract: External (i.e. point source and tributary) phosphorus loads are an appropriate target for lake managers concerned with eutrophication control. However, internal loads associated with phosphorus that has accumulated in lake sediments can retard the response to reductions in external loading. This paper describes the development, calibration, confirmation and application of a model for phosphorus exchange at the sediment–water interface of a eutrophic, urban system, Onondaga Lake, New York. The model is based on the principles of mass balance and accommodates the delivery of labile particulate phosphorus to the sediment surface, diagenesis of that phosphorus within the sediment (conversion to the soluble form), redox-mediated adsorption and desorption, and diffusion and release of soluble phosphorus to the water column. Values for most model inputs and coefficients were determined through a suite of field and laboratory measurements and experimentation, establishing the credibility of the tool for site-specific application. The model was calibrated to measured sediment profiles of soluble and labile particulate phosphorus, limiting coefficient adjustment to experimentally defined bounds. The confirmation process included comparison of model-predicted and measured rates of sediment phosphorus release with no further coefficient adjustment.

Keywords: Phosphorus; Sediments; Modeling; Lakes; Numerical methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:209:y:2007:i:2:p:121-135

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.06.015

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