BUFFER - Key nutrient transport mechanisms important for the prediction of nutrient and phytoplankton concentrations in european standing waters

This project identified and quantified important control mechanisms for nutrient retention and release within lakes and their catchments. The project assembled the nutrient budgets for a large number of lakes across Europe and studied a smaller selection in order to develop catchments nutrient transport models that account for critical physico-chemical and ecological differences among lakes. The understanding of these mechanisms is indispensable for the setting up of the River Basin Management Plans in the field of water policy.

The project had three stages:

Collation of data on an extensive range of catchments throughout Europe. Data including variables that enable calculation of nutrient budgets of both nitrogen and phosphorus and an estimate of in-lake concentrations of phytoplankton chlorophyll a. The analysis of collated data, enabling the identification of primary predictors of in-lake nutrient and phytoplankton concentrations.

Quantification of predictors among a series of intensively studied lakes and catchments. The work estimated flux rates of nutrients within and between different physical and biotic compartments of land and surface waters within catchments that represent examples of high to low intensity land-use across a range of geomorphologies.

Based on the results of the project, development of mathematical models for the prediction of in-lake nutrient and phytoplankton concentrations. Risk assessment of nutrient enrichment of lakes through an understanding of the nutrient transport mechanisms through catchments and their lakes assists management strategies and the implementation of programme of measures for lake improvement.