Modeling Heavy Metal Removal in Wetlands.
Abstract
A computer model has been developed to simulate the fate transport of heavy metals introduced to a wetland ecosystem. Modeled water quality variables include plankton biomass and productivity; macrophyte (Nuiumbo lutea) biomass; total phosphorus in the water column; dissolved copper in the water column and sediments; particulate copper in the water column and sediments; and suspended solids. These variables directly affect the modeled rate of copper uptake by macrophytes, and the rate of copper recycling as a function of the decomposition of copper-laden biomass litter. The model was calibrated using total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a data from the Old Woman Creek Wetland in Ohio. Verification of the model was achieved using data on the copper content of the macrophyte Nelumbo lutea The effects of harvesting copper-laden biomass on the, longevity of the wetland ecosystem were also evaluated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253643
Entities
People
- Ronald N. Light
Organizations
- University of Virginia