DYNAMIC SIMULATION MODEL OF ALGAE AND NUTRIENTS IN COLUSA BASIN DRAIN

Algal growth and nutrient transport were studied and modelled in the lower reaches of the Colusa Basin Drain. The growth and decay rates of algae were calculated using the concentration of different nutrients. A dynamic mathematical and computer model is formulated to simulate phytoplanktonic algae and nutrient. The mathematical solution is obtained by a finite-difference implicit method. The model is validated with the different data collected from the lower 30 Km reaches of the Colusa Basin Drain in the summer of 1990. The simulation results are in good agreement with measured values. The sensitivity of algae as a function of different parameters was performed. The resulting model can be useful in guiding engineering and management decisions concerned with the efficient utilization of drain waters and the protection of their quality.