Author(s): Michael A. Schubert; Nathan C. Young; Douglas J. Schnoebelen; Larry J. Weber

Linked Author(s): Nathan Young, Larry J. Weber

Keywords: Nutrient Modelling; Upper Mississippi River; Riparian Wetlands; Nitrate; Denitrification; Wetland Hydrodynamics

Abstract: As the broad impacts of anthropogenic nutrient delivery to aquatic ecosystems are realized, nutrient management in large river systems is growing in importance. Existing fate and transport models fail to consider the influence of local hydrodynamics in the nutrient removal process or the multidimensional nature of the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. Through coupling highly-resolved three-dimensional hydrodynamic and nutrient dynamics models, local processes governing nutrient transport and cycling in aquatic systems can be more accurately represented. A coupled modelling system can improve predictive capabilities and aid the design and management of engineered and natural systems to enhance ecological health. Round Lake, a backwater in Pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) is the focus of our research to develop a proof of concept model. Model geometry, boundary conditions, and validation data have been compiled from bathymetric measurements and long-term water quality monitoring performed by the United States Geological Survey. The model will simulate nitrogen transport and chemical transformation in an effort to better understand the influences of backwater areas on UMR water quality and Gulf of Mexico hypoxia.

DOI:

Year: 2009