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P, N, and DO concentrations

Tue, 07/13/2010 - 11:04am — Matthew
Hello, After increasing the distributed tributary inflows, I noticed that constituent concentrations don’t necessarily get better all the time. For example, phosphorus concentrations were often increased slightly, rather than decreased as expected with higher flows. The whole purpose of increasing the flows was to lower phosphorus and nitrogen and raise DO, but I’m not seeing that all the time. I’m sure there is an explanation, but I just can’t quite figure it out. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks for your help, Matt
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Water Quality
Tue, 07/13/2010 - 11:35am — chris

Hello Matt, Increasing the flows might change the hydrodynamics in a reservoir such that the concentrations might be reduced. For instance, the higher flows might cause greater mixing such that higher nutrient water in the hypolimnion are more likely to be mixed with water in the epilimnion. Also, a plunge point if it exist might be moved further down the reservoir. Hope this helps, Chris
Wed, 07/14/2010 - 11:35am — Matthew

That makes sense. Not only is P increased and DO decreased when adding additional flow, but the fluctuations in concentrations are also greatly minimized. For some reason nitrogen was reduced, though.