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Using a numerical model (PROTECH) to examine the impact of water transfers on phytoplankton dynamics in a Mediterranean reservoir

2007; Volume: 26; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.23818/limn.26.01

2660-8537

Enrique Moreno‐Ostos, J. Alex Elliott, L. Cruz-Pizarro, C. Escot, Ana Basanta, D. G. George,

Freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity and ecology

Using a numerical model (PROTECH) to examine the impact of water transfers on phytoplankton dynamics in a Mediterranean reservoirEl Gergal is the last link in a system of reservoirs located in the Rivera de Huelva River, Seville (South-West Spain).Because of its position within the system and the different water transfer possibilities between reservoirs, the florisitic composition of phytoplankton in El Gergal can be strongly influenced by the concentration of cells present in the water transferred from other reservoirs in the series.In June 2000 a large Ceratium hirundinella inoculums was transferred from an upstream reservoir into El Gergal.The dinoflagellate inoculums entered in the receiving reservoir through the riverine zone depicting a marked horizontal structure, and inducing an intense summer bloom.Our results show that this Ceratium bloom was effective to compete and counteract the later development of the harmful cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon flos-aquae.Further, after the integration of a set of adaptations to the semi-arid Mediterranean region and subsequently validation, the PROTECH model (a 1D phytoplankton community model) was used to describe, assess and evaluate the potential impact on El Gergal phytoplankton dynamics of an alternative water transfer strategy.Finally, we encourage the use of dynamic modelling in lakes and reservoir management, as it constitutes a powerful tool that should offer reliable predictions and help managers in the usually difficult and complex task of adopting optimal decisions, in order to minimise water treatment costs and provide the best possible environmental quality.