A practical application of Droop nutrient kinetics (WR 1883).
Algal growth kinetics based on internal phosphorus concentration were incorporated into an existing eutrophication model. Application to a closed system resulted in damped oscillations in algal biomass and phosphate relative to a model with fixed composition. Peak biomass did not differ substantially, however, from that attained using a model with fixed, minimal phosphorus-to-carbon ratio. Sensitivity analyses were conducted following model application to the lower St. Johns River, Florida. Factor-of-two changes in key parameters had little influence on computed chlorophyll. Varying model parameters exerted a larger influence on dissolved phosphate concentration. We conclude Droop kinetics present a mechanism for regulating computed nutrient concentrations rather than computed chlorophyll concentrations.
Cerco
Carl F
CF
US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Mail Stop EP-W, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA. cercoc@wes.army.mil
Noel
Mark R
MR
Tillman
Dorothy H
DH
D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000032:analysis; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000254:growth & development*; D005068:Eutrophication; D005431:Florida; D007700:Kinetics; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D045483:Rivers
D002734:Chlorophyll; D010758:Phosphorus