Modelling the structural dynamics of a shallow and eutrophic water ecosystem based on mesocosm observations

A structural dynamic model describing a shallow, eutrophic water ecosystem is proposed in this paper. This type of model is useful for predicting the effects of biomanipulation. Various examples of this kind of model have bee n suggested in previous reports. The next salient issue demanding attention would be calibrating such models on the basis of more rigid data. In this paper, some of model parameters were calibrated and validated on the basis of observations of a mesocosm. In the mesocosm, almost complete material ba lances can be measured; these allow for the control of important factors in such systems. Hence, mesocosm observations were used in the calibration of parameters. The calibrated model was strongly supported on the basis of ot her observations of the mesocosm. The simulation study used in the proposed model indicated that the effects of biomanipulation on algal growth suppre ssion differs depending on their zooplankton composition. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.