Model description of BIOLA - a biogeochemical lake model

The biogeochemical lake model BIOLA was developed to be used for eutrophication studies in Sweden . Eutrophication is a threat for lakes in populated areas, and this model was developed to be a tool for managing lakes suffering from eutrophication. There are several measures that can be taken to reduce eutrophication. When considering different measures simulations of their effects, with models such as BIOLA, can contribute with information. The model is a biogeochemical lake module coupled to a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model. The model simulates the continuous change of lake stratification and water quality due to weather, inflow , outflow and biogeochemical processes in the lake and in the sediments. It simulates changes over time in nutrient and biological state at different depths. The most important variables simulated by the model are inorganic nutrients and phytoplankton in the water. Other variables include nutrients and organic matter in the sediments. The model has shown to be able to simulate changing nutrient and plankton dynamics. The result from three studied lakes are reviewed