SEDIMENT NUTRIENT FLUXES IN A TIDAL FRESHWATER EMBAYMENT1

ABSTRACT: Sediment-water exchanges of ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate are incorporated into a eutrophication model of Gunston Cove, Virginia. The exchange rates are obtained from laboratory measurements and are modeled as empirical functions of temperature, concentration, and pH. Simulation of the period from June 1 to September 30, 1983, indicates nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlorophyll ‘a’ are correctly modeled only when the sediment-water nutrient exchanges are taken into account.