Towards the development of a biogeochemical model for addressing the eutrophication problems in the shallow hypertrophic lagoon of Albufera de Valencia, Spain

Abstract Our study presents a biogeochemical model that aims to reproduce the ecological processes shaping phytoplankton dynamics in the shallow hypertrophic lagoon of Albufera de Valencia (Spain). The model simulates two elemental cycles (N and P), two phytoplankton groups (cyanobacteria and non-cyanobacteria), and heterotrophic bacteria. First, we examine the capacity to reproduce the observed plankton patterns, while accommodating the uncertainty related to the external forcing factors of our model (hydraulic and nutrient loading, zooplankton grazing). Sensitivity analysis is also performed to identify the most influential parameters and therefore to shed light on the knowledge needed to…