Numerical modeling of the turbid tropical Cointzio Reservoir, Mexico

Tóm tắt

The Cointzio Reservoir in central Mexico faces significant degradation due to urban expansion and agricultural activities, leading to high turbidity and eutrophic conditions. Surface chlorophyll-a concentrations (~70 µg L⁻¹) indicate harmful algal blooms, and sedimentation has reduced storage capacity by 20-25%. A coupled numerical model combining a 1-D hydrodynamic module with the ecological model Aquasim was used to simulate seasonal stratification, mixing dynamics, sediment accumulation, and nutrient-phytoplankton interactions. Model results aligned with field observations, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing the main mechanisms of water quality decline. This study highlights how integrated physical and ecological models can aid reservoir management in regions with heavy nutrient and sediment loading.