PCLake metamodel

PClake offers help

At Witteveen+Bos we work with partners to create sustainable water bodies and a safe environment in deltas, coastal and river areas. With rising sea levels, subsidence and changing climate, we face major challenges. This requires smart digital solutions, PCLake offers help.

Cooperation

Both the PCLake model and the PCDitch model were developed by Jan Janse (Janse, 2005). Both models have been further developed by Witteveen+Bos, STOWA, NIOO-KNAW, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency and the WUR. PCLake has already been used successfully in several projects.

Image: Janse, J. H. (2005). Model studies on the eutrophication of shallow lakes and ditches. Wageningen University and Research.

PCLake Metamodel

This is the PCLake metamodel. Use the sliders and input fields on the right side. Based on the expected water quality, the image on the left changes. Using the input you enter in the configurator below, PCLake's metamodel estimates the expected water quality.

PCLake Metamodel

Sediment type
Water depth (m)

0.5 4
The average water depth
Fetch (m)

300 4000
Cross section of the lake in the prevailing wind direction. As an initial estimate, the root of the water surface can be used
Flow rate (mm per day)

4 200
The sum of all incoming water flows. Consider precipitation and inlet
Extinction (-)

0.25 2
Background absorbance of the water. This is the coloration of the water, so not how turbid the water is due to algae or suspended matter, for example. By default, this value is 0.5. For peat lakes with light brown coloration, for example, you can enter the value of 1
Relative surface area of marsh (m²/m²) optional

0 2
Area of marsh relative to lake surface area. This includes water reeds that function as a helophyte filter

Outcome critical P load (mg/m²/day)

123

Current load (mg/m²/day)
The current phosphate load in mg/m2/day

View result

Result modelrun

The phosphate load is higher than the critical limits, a turbid algae-rich situation is expected. The phosphate load is between the critical limits, the expected condition can be turbid and rich in algae as well as clear and rich in vegetation, depending on the condition in which you start. The phosphate load is lower than the critical limits, a clear plant-rich situation is expected.

Clear to turbid
	mg P/m²/d
0.33	g P/m²/year
Turbid to clear
	mg P/m²/d
0.11	g P/m²/year
Residence time
days

Explanation results

The results give a first impression of the water quality at the values entered by you. It gives an indication of the water quality in your lake or pond. The kP stands for critical phosphate load. Of course, this raises more questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us. See the contact details of aquatic ecologist Bob Brederveld below.