Simulating seasonal variability of phytoplankton in stream water using the modified SWAT model

The ability to simulate algal systems is critical for watershed-scale models. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a modified algal module that simulates the dynamics of three major algal groups (cyanobacteria, green algae, and diatoms) in a stream using variables available in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool. The proposed module 1) models the dynamics of the three algal groups while accounting for nutrients from algal die-off and 2) has temperature multipliers that consider the effect of temperature changes on kinetic rates. Data to test the module were collected from a forest-dominated watershed over two years. The modified module was efficient in predicting seasonal variations in algal group biomass and simulated the regeneration of nutrients after algal die-off. This module will be useful in predicting the dynamics of the three studied algal groups and evaluating the best management practices for algal blooms in watersheds. (c) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.