Application of a 2D-Hydrodynamic Model to Assess the Impact of Spring Water Discharge into the Lake Pamvotida in Ioannina, Greece

Abstract

According to the study conducted by the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre for the assessment of the minimum water level requirements of Lake Pamvotida, its water level (WL) should be maintained within the specified range of 469.10 - 468.20 m, a.m.s.l. However, the lake is very susceptible to larger reductions in its WL in late summer (below the proposed water level of 468.20 m) due to increased evaporation and over-pumping for irrigation purposes. This study investigates the introduction of freshwater from the Sentenikos and Kalithea Springs into Lake Pamvotida in order to mitigate the decrease in its water level (WL), during the dry season. A 2-D hydrodynamic modelling system was used to evaluate the effects of three scenarios in which the existence and location of the spring discharge inflow are differentiated. WL, temperature (T), dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were used for the evaluation of the effect of the scenarios on the lake’s condition. The research showed a significant change on the WL fluctuation of the lake, and only minor effects locally dispersed regarding on its temperature, DO and BOD.