Mathematical model of the oxygen regime of Cartagena Bay

A mathematical model of eutrophication/oxygen regime for Cartagena Bay (Colombia) is described. The model consists of hydrodynamic and biogeochemical blocks to assess engineering alternatives for improving the water quality and oxygen regime in the bay. The hydrodynamic block of the model is based on the primitive three-dimensional equations for estuarine and coastal dynamics. The biogeochemical block includes the balance equations for the following components of the ecosystem: phytoplankton, bacteria, detritus, dissolved organic matter (DOM), phosphate, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate and dissolved oxygen. A non-traditional parameterization of bacteria role in biochemical oxidation of organic matter is used. Modelling of distinct ecological situations for Cartagena Bay has shown the principal strategic objectives to improve the water quality of the bay. The model has been tested and could be applied to other similar water bodies.