An ecophysiological model of nitrification in the Scheldt Estuary

AbstractA model of nitrification in the Scheldt Estuary by planktonic microorganisms is constructed; this model includes (i) the description of the complex hydrodynamical factors resulting from the mixing of freshwater and seawater; (ii) the influence of environmental parameters (salinity, redox potential, substrate concentration, temperature) on the activity of nitrifying organisms. The model accurately simulates the longitudinal profiles of nitrate and ammonium nitrogen in the estuary