Zooplankton Module (EEMS12)

Owned by Duy Pham
Last updated: 12 Oct, 2023 by Kester Scandrett
3 min read

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.

Activate the Zooplankton Module

The Zooplankton sub-module is activated by RMC on Modules and then checks the Zooplankton box in the EFDC+ Modules window, as shown in Figure 1. Click OK to close the EFDC+ Modules frame.

Figure 1. Zooplankton Modules.


RMC on the  Zooplankton sub-menu items and then select Setting to go to the Zooplankton form (Figure 2). The user can enter the number of zooplankton groups and put the name for each one.  Here, users can also add or remove Zooplankton groups by clicking the Add New or Delete button respectively.


Figure 2. Zooplankton control form.


In the General sub-tab (Figure 3), 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 parameters edit form - General.


A zooplankton’s parameters are classified flowing its kinetics processes: grazing, metabolism, predation, death. The user should configure the values in the Grazing (Figure 4), Basal Metabolism (Figure 5), Predation (Figure 6), and Death (Figure 7) tabs.

Figure 4. Zooplankton parameters edit form - Grazing.

Figure 5. Zooplankton parameters edit form - Basal Metabolism.

Figure 6. Zooplankton parameters edit form - Predation.

Figure 7. Zooplankton parameters edit form - Death.


Initial Conditions and Time Series for Zooplankton

Users can use WQ's general initial condition as described in Initial Conditions - WQ (EEMS12) set initial conditions for Zooplankton. It is noted that zooplankton is at the end of the list (Figure 8)

Figure 8. Initial Condition Set for Zooplankton Concentration.


For the time series data, the user can RMC on Water Quality sub-menu items and then LMC on Time Series as shown in Figure 9. Open Boundary Data Series form appears as Figure 10, click on Select Class drop-down menu to select the zooplankton group.  Enter values or copy and paste the time series data into the form.

Figure 9. Initial Condition Set for Zooplankton Concentration.

Figure 10. Boundary Data Series: Mesozooplankton.