Evaluation of the trophic status in a Mediterranean reservoir under climate change: An integrated modelling approach

This study describes an integrated modelling approach to better understand the trophic status of the Montargil reservoir (southern Portugal) under climate change scenarios. The SWAT and CE-QUAL-W2 models were applied to the basin and reservoir, respectively, for simulating water and nutrient dynamics while considering one climatic scenario and two decadal timelines (2025-2034 and 2055-2064). Model simulations showed that the dissolved oxygen concentration in the reservoir's hypolimnion is expected to decrease by 60% in both decadal timelines, while the chlorophyll-a concentration in the reservoir's epiliminion is expected to increase by 25%. The total phosphorus concentration (TP) is predicted to increase in the water column surface by 63% and in the hypolimion by 90% during the 2030 timeline. These results are even more severe during the 2060 timeline. Under this climate change scenario, the reservoir showed a eutrophic state during 70-80% of both timelines. Even considering measures that involve decreases in 30 to 35% of water use, the eutrophic state is not expected to improve.

Automated summary

This study utilized integrated modelling approach to assess the trophic status of Montargil reservoir in southern Portugal under climate change scenarios, showing significant decreases in dissolved oxygen concentration in the hypolimnion, increases in chlorophyll-a concentration in the epilimnion, and overall eutrophic conditions in the reservoir for the majority of the decadal timelines assessed. Despite potential water use reduction measures, the eutrophic state is not expected to improve.