Zooplankton Options

As a sub-module of the Water Quality module, zooplankton is simulated within a water quality model. In the model, the preference for zooplankton species is equivalent to that for other water quality components in the water column. It should be noted that models including zooplankton are a first step towards modeling the effects of eutrophication management on top-level predators. Simulating zooplankton also helps to improve model accuracy in the computation of algal biomass.

The Zooplankton sub-module is activated by clicking the Use checkbox.

Figure 1. Zooplankton Options.

Click Modify to go to the Zooplankton form. The user can enter the number of zooplankton groups and put the name for each one. 

Figure 2. Zooplankton control form.

In the General sub-tab, the user is able to set the general parameter for zooplankton. If there are more than two zooplankton groups, the user can check the predator or prey flag. 

Figure 3. Zooplankton tab: General.

A zooplankton’s parameters are classified flowing its kinetics processes: grazing, metabolism, predation, death. The user should configure the values in the Growth, Basal Metabolism, Predation, and Death tabs.

Figure 4. Zooplankton tab: Grazing.

Figure 5. Zooplankton tab: Basal Metabolism.

Figure 5. Zooplankton tab: Predation.

Figure 5. Zooplankton tab: Death.