Interactive water quality simulation in a regional framework: A management oriented approach to lake and watershed modeling

Abstract

A phosphorus-based water quality simulation model for a shallow lake/reed system (Neusiedlersee, Austria) has been coupled with a series of heuristic, process oriented models describing the physical and socio-economic catchment of the lake. Built into an interactive, modular decision support system's framework, which includes simple database management, interactive video graphics, and linguistic output formats, the programs are designed for the simulation and evaluation of regional development, i.e., agricultural landuse, industry, tourism, wastewater treatment, and perceived lake water quality. Special emphasis is put on communication and display through a friendly man-machine interface, including linguistic statements for the description of lake water quality.