Mass balance models for elongated lakes

Abstract

Mass balance models for elongated lakes have been developed. In these models particular attention is paid to the hydraulic description of the lake and to the description of net sedimentation. The hydraulic description is a linear combination of CSTR and PFR, with a coefficient regulating the degree of mixing. The PFR description was modified so that also additional input along the lake can be considered. Net sedimentation is described either as a first order or a second order reaction. Both voluminal and areal sedimentation is possible in the models. The models were tested against phosphorus balance data for two Finnish lakes. Lake Haukivesi and Lake Päijänne. In both lakes the PFR model with additional input together with second order net sedimentation gave the best fit to observations. The values of the sedimentation coefficients are not universal but vary from lake to lake. They are also dependent on the hydraulic description used in the model. There is a critical point for the monitoring of the lake at which measurements give the same sedimentation coefficient regardless of the hydraulic description.