Assessment of the Water Quality of Lake Plastira through Mathematical Modelling for Alternative Management Scenarios

Abstract

In the context of a research program regarding water quality management and protection plan for Lake
 Plastira, one of the main tasks was the establishment of a sound relationship between the minimum
 water level and the trophic state of the lake.
 The study involves the application of a eutrophication-dissolved oxygen mathematical model
 (EUTRO-SEL) which describes various physical, chemical and biological processes taking place in a
 water body.
 Three water management scenarios were examined in the context of the study, based on alternative
 minimal operating water levels (782m, 784m and 786m).
 According to the modelling results and the classification of the water bodies according to the recent
 standards and trends within the European Commission, the operation of Lake Plastira at a minimum
 water level of 786 m ensures very good water quality characteristics (Category I). The operation of the
 Lake Plastira at lower water levels between 782-784 m, results in acceptable water quality that classify
 the lake into Category II.
 Since in all three management scenarios the water quality is acceptable and describes a water body with
 at least good water quality, acceptable minimum operational water level, can be determined by other
 considerations (e.g. elasticity of demand, lanscape aesthetics, etc).