System Simulation to Test Environmental Policy: The Eutrophication of Lakes

1 January 1972

journal article
research article
Published by Taylor & Francis in Environmental Letters

Vol. 3 (3) , 203-228
https://doi.org/10.1080/00139307209435466

Abstract

A simple model of nutrient cycling and oxygen consumption presented using System Dynamics as the modelling and simulation technique. This model, although inappropriate for the design of specific engineering solutions for the arrest of eutrophication in a particular lake, does illustrate the transition from oligotrophy to eutrophy in simple, conceptual terms. The accelerated depletion of oxygen in cultural eutrophication is apparent in simulations of the model, but can be arrested by diversion of nutrient effluents around the lake, dredging detrital sediments, or harvesting algal biomass. The failure of solutions which do not remove nutrient elements in some form is explained using systems concepts.

Keywords

This publication has 5 references indexed in Scilit:

System simulation to test environmental policy: DDT
International Journal of Environmental Studies, 1973
The Carbon Cycle
Scientific American, 1970
Cultural Eutrophication Is Reversible
BioScience, 1969
Features. A Nonmyopic Approach to the Problem of Excess Algal Growths
Environmental Science & Technology, 1968
EUTROPHICATION OF THE ST. LAWRENCE GREAT LAKES1
Limnology and Oceanography, 1965