Modelling phosphorus transfer rates in lake water

Abstract

A modification of Lean's (1973a,b) four-compartment model of the transfer of phosphorus between soluble and particulate forms in the epilimnion of lakes is necessary to make the model consistent with certain observed transfer curves. By splitting the particulate compartment into two distinct fractions and incorporating appropriate transfer coefficients, differential rates of exchange with the particulate compartment can be simulated. At least two different rates of exchange with the particulate compartment appear to be necessary to make the model consistent with experimentally observed, diphasic phosphorus transfer curves.