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Delft3D-ECO
The ECO module of Delft3D simulates the bio(chemical) and biological processes related to growth of algae and nutrient dynamics which are relevant to the study and understanding of eutrophication phenomena.

The module uses a different and more detailed set of processes than those available in the WAQ module. The ecological module consists of two models, BLOOM and SWITCH each with a specific task.

Algae blooms often consist of assemblages of different phytoplankton species, belonging to rather distinct groups of species such as diatoms, microflagellates or dinoflagellates.

Some species cause visual pollution, bad odour and fish kills due to oxygen depletion (e.g. Noctiluca: red tides). Other species are toxic, posing a threat to the ecological system and economic activities.

Many of the adverse impacts of eutrophication depend on the dominancy of (a group of) species representing negative characteristics. The ecological module is a useful tool for predicting the effects of management measures.

Areas of application

The ECO module can be used for all geographic regions where the FLOW and WAQ modules are applied. The module has been extensively used to model the Southern North Sea and has been calibrated to 20 years of data in the Dutch Coastal zone.

Recent applications include: 
  • Netherlands: Wadden Sea Ecology impacted by sea level rise
  • Netherlands: Westerschelde Estuary Eco-Morphological module, Decision Support System, Operationalisation
  • Netherlands: 2nd Land Reclamation Rotterdam Harbour, Civil Engineering,Nautical and Nature Development Decision Support System, Operationalisation
  • Hong Kong: Typhoon shelter construction and impact study
  • Eritrea: Hirgigo Power Plant Outfall Relocation Study
  • United Arab Emirates: Al Taweelah Desalination Plant Outfall Relocation Study
  • Netherlands: Westerschelde Estuary Eco-Morphological module, Decision Support System prototype
  • Ukraine: Azov Sea Environmental Impact Study
  • China: Hangzhou Bay and Zhoushan Fisheries Area Environmental Impact Study

Standard features 

The ECO module of Delft3D can be used to calculate eutrophication phenomena, including:

  • Spring phytoplankton bloom
  • Nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorous and silica)
  • Primary production
  • Chlorophyll concentrations
  • Species composition
  • Diatom/non-diatom ratios
  • Limiting factors (nutrients, light)
  • Oxygen depletion
  • Analysis of water management policies

BLOOM

The phytoplankton model BLOOM simulates the algal biomass and species composition. To simulate the species composition BLOOM uses a optimisation technique called linear programming to maximise the net production of the phytoplankton community in a certain time period consistent with the environmental conditions and existing biomass levels. This approach has proven to be fruitful in many studies. To apply this technique the algae are divided into three species groups: diatoms, flagellates and dinoflagellates and one species: Phaeocystis. Each modelled species consist of three types representing the physiological state of the phytoplankton under conditions of phosphorus limited growth, nitrogen limited growth or conditions of abundant nutrients and hence ultimately light (energy) limited growth. If desired the model can easily be extended with extra species.