Aplicação do modelo IPH-ECO na simulação da dinâmica da Clorofila-a em lagoa costeira do RN

Abstract

The investigation of temporal dynamics of phytoplankton in water bodies is a growing need because of problems involving eutrophication processes due to human impacts. Given the complexity of the phenomena involving phytoplankton growth, it is necessary, the use of mathematical models to simulate related processes and structures involved in phytoplankton´s growth. In this study, we used the IPH-ECO model (0-D version) software that integrates the hydrodynamic processes, water quality (limnology) and biology of aquatic species. Extremoz coastal lagoon was studied because this environment supplies the city of Natal (RN) during the period from 07/2012 to 08/2013. After model calibration, using the dynamics of chlorophyll-a as the response variable, we simulated various scenarios individually changing the forcing variables: rain, evaporation, wind, solar radiation and temperature. The results show that the 0-D version of the model IPH-ECO is insensitive to climatic variations, preventing this version to be used in simulations of pollution or for the management of the lagoon.