Abstract
Spatiotemporal modeling of wetland environments’ hydrodynamics and water quality characteristics is key to understanding and managing these ecologically important areas’ physical and environmental properties. We developed a two-dimensional numerical model based on the MIKE 21 module to analyze flow and pollution dynamics in the island-dominated Sanyang wetland of eastern China. Three simulation periods representing annual precipitation cycles were used to model freshwater discharge and water quality in the wetland. The results showed that the flow velocity in the study area had hydrodynamic characteristics typical of such a setting, with an average monthly flow velocity ranging from 0.01 to 0.04 m/s, contributing to an increased risk of serious eutrophication. The water quality problems (represented by ammonia nitrogen, NH3-N, and total phosphorus, TP, levels) peaked during the early summer peak rain season, followed by a gradual decline during a later flood period and the lowest values during the fall/winter dry period. Moreover, the spatial distribution of NH3-N and TP levels decreased from northwest to east, reflecting the influence of a highly polluted source. Our results provide a useful context for restoration efforts in the Sanyang wetland and other similar areas.
Highlights
Wetlands, sometimes described as “the kidneys of the landscape” [1,2], play an important role in providing ecological services to both humans and wildlife
We focused on the island-dominated Sanyang wetland in coastal China, using a two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality MIKE
The results showed that our model reflected the flow patterns and water quality in the Sanyang wetland well
Summary
Sometimes described as “the kidneys of the landscape” [1,2], play an important role in providing ecological services to both humans and wildlife. These include shelter, habitats, food, protection from catastrophic flooding, irrigation, and carbon sequestration [3,4,5]. The development of new, powerful, and data-based techniques is fundamental to urgent wetland restoration efforts. Databases, and information/image analysis techniques have been applied to the planning and restoration of new and degraded wetlands. Klemas [8] reviewed remote sensing techniques used in wetland management and found that analysis of satellite and aircraft imagery, combined with on-the-ground observations, allowed researchers to accurately and cost-effectively determine short-term changes and long-term trends in wetland vegetation and hydrology
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