MODELLING NUTRIENT EXCHANGE IN ARTIFICIAL RESERVOIRS
Nutrient recycling. Reservoirs. Lakes. Dissolved oxygen. Eutrophication.
Research about artificial aquatic ecosystems has a strong relevance, especially considering their multiple uses and complex functioning involving several physical, chemical and biological features. This importance and complexity increases in semi-arid regions due to the aggravating factors caused by long periods of drought, such as increased turbidity, nutrient concentration, drastic volume reductions and consequent eutrophication, directly affecting water quality. In order to understand the relevance of multiple natural and anthropogenic factors on water quality and biotic communities, a holistic approach is required, such as modeling ecosystems. This work aims to model, using the AQUATOX software, the nutrient and plankton dynamics of two reservoirs located in the semi-arid region of Brazilian’s Northeast to predict the limnogical dynamics under different scenarios such as extreme drought and temperature increases, thereby aiding in the reservoirs’ management, optimizing the use of water.