DEVELOPMENT OF A EUTROPHICATION MODEL OF AN ESTUARY DOMINATED BY THE MACROALGA ULVA LACTUCA (CONNECTICUT)

Algorithms were written leading to the development and application of a water quality model describing the population dynamics of the macroalga Ulva lactuca. Model development assessed the fate and effect of the discharge from the Groton, Connecticut Wastewater Treatment Facility. Important biological and chemical processes researched for application to this model were Ulva sporulation, nutrient cell quota growth kinetics and nutrient uptake. Temperature related growth and the growth response of Ulva to ambient light intensities were researched and implemented as found in the literature.^ Data collection proceeded in three related efforts over a four year period in Mumford Cove, Groton, Connecticut. The data gathered from this site served as the calibration and verification data sets for model application. Extensive data reduction as well as interpretation of data seen in the literature allowed the development of the kinetic structure of the water quality model. The Water Analysis Simulation Program was used as the base hydraulic portion of the model.^ Nutrient cell quota kinetics were successfully developed and applied. Nitrogen cell quota calibration was accomplished with input data calculated from published reports while phosphorus cell quota parameters required some adjustment prior to model completion. Ulva sporulation was shown to be a highly significant process in the nutrient and Ulva population dynamics. Sporulation represents a major pathway for nutrient introduction to the sediments. Additionally, in Mumford Cove, sporulation is a significant source of summertime Ulva population decay.