Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS33 Human Impacts and Activities on Riverine Ecosystems (Science and Society Connections)

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001, Time: 11:30:00 AM

Location: Galisteo

Taunt, K, W, Pathology Associates International, Large Lakes Research Station, Grosse Ile, MI, USA, taunt.katherine@epa.gov

Pauer, J, J, Sobran Incorporated, Large Lakes Research Station, Grosse Ile, MI, USA, pauer.james@epa.gov

Kreis, R, G, MED, NHEERL, ORD, USEPA, Large Lakes Research Station, Grosse Ile, MI, USA, kreis.russell@epa.gov

CHALLENGES OF PROCESSING BIOLOGICAL DATA FOR INCORPORATION INTO A LAKE EUTROPHICATION MODEL

A eutrophication model is in development as part of the Lake Michigan Mass Balance Project (LMMBP). Successful development and calibration of this model required the processing and incorporation of extensive biological data. Data were drawn from multiple sources, including nutrient analyses, phytoplankton samples and radiolabeled carbon incubation experiments, to derive field estimates of productivity that can be directly compared to model output. Results indicate good agreement between data and model-derived productivity estimates and suggest that relationships have been appropriately established. While lakewide sampling conducted in support of the LMMBP provided a wealth of current data for Lake Michigan, many ecological models do not benefit from this level of support and must rely upon historical and/or limited data for the system of interest. These data often require similar processing to that described here before successful application to modeling applications can occur. Challenges and solutions encountered in applying LMMBP data to our eutrophication model may be valuable for solving problems that arise when historical data are used in modeling.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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