Abstract
In eutrophic lakes, algae are known to be sensitive to chlorine, but the impact of chlorine on the wider ecosystem has not been investigated. To quantitatively investigate the effects of chlorine on the urban lake ecosystem and analyze the changes in the aquatic ecosystem structure, a dynamic response model of aquatic species to chlorine was constructed based on the biomass density dynamics of aquatic species of submerged macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, periphyton, and benthos. The parameters were calibrated using data from the literature and two simulative experiments. The model was then validated using field data from an urban lake with a surface area of approximately 8000 m2 located in the downtown area of Guangzhou, South China. The correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error-observations standard deviation ratio (RSR) and index of agreement (IOA) were used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the model and the results were consistent with the observations (0.446 R < 0.985, RSR < 0.7, IOA > 0.6). Comparisons between the simulated and observed trends confirmed the feasibility of using this model to investigate the dynamics of aquatic species under chlorine interference. The model can help managers apply a modest amount of chlorine to control eutrophication and provides scientific support for the management of urban lakes.
Highlights
Lake eutrophication is recognized to have deleterious effects on aquatic ecosystems, environmental systems and economies worldwide[1,2]
Urban lake management should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the ecological dynamics of aquatic ecosystems[35]
This study explored the responses of the aquatic species to chlorine interference with two initial concentrations, i.e. 0.045 and 0.188 mg/L
Summary
Lake eutrophication is recognized to have deleterious effects on aquatic ecosystems, environmental systems and economies worldwide[1,2]. Due to the lack of a reliable, quantitative understanding of the ecological interactions between the internal and external environments of lake ecosystems, current urban lakes management is difficult to be performed remains “rough and wild”, for the problem of lake eutrophication[10]. Quantitative models have been developed and are considered potential tools for eutrophication management[11,12] These models are used to simulate the dynamics of each component in the lake ecosystem, which are complicated and include self-regulation and feedback[13]. Using models to quantitatively simulate the effects of chlorine on aquatic species is necessary for environment managers and researchers to apply a modest amount of chlorine. The model considers individual aquatic species and chlorine interferences to simulate a shallow urban lake ecosystem. The structure and parameter values of this model can provide reference data for the study of urban lake models in the near areas
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