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A model for predicting the uptake of tetracycline and amoxicillin by vegetable plants using STELLA (R) was developed. Simulations were performed for a 30-day period during which lettuce and carrot were irrigated with the two antibiotics of known concentrations. The model predicts antibiotic concentrations in several compartments, including porewater, soil, and plant tissues. Simulations showed that the number of antibiotics found in soil fraction was larger than the amount in plant tissues. The developed model for tetracycline uptake by carrot gave a chi-square (chi(2)) value of 0.2 and by lettuce recorded a chi(2) value of 0.6. The model was considered efficient based on the chi(2) values. Validation of the antibiotic's uptake model showed an appreciable agreement between simulated and measured experimental data with deviation expressed as percentage being 2.6% for tetracycline uptake by carrot model and 37.9% for tetracycline uptake by lettuce model. Leaching and evaporation processes of antibiotics were found from the sensitivity analysis of the model to be the most important processes influencing the uptake model. These processes could be determined accurately and hence makes the model easily adoptive for other antibiotics. Further antibiotic uptake studies should focus on the physical-chemical properties of the antibiotics and abiotic environmental condition effect on the uptake model developed.

Ecological modelling has developed rapidly in recent decades, with the focus primarily on the restoration of lakes and wetlands. Ecological Modelling and Engineering in Lakes and Wetlands presents the progress being made in modelling for a wealth of applications. It covers the older biogeochemical models still in use today, structurally dynamic models, 3D models, biophysical models, entire watershed models, and ecotoxicological models, as well as the expansion of modeling to the Arctic and Antarctic climate-zones. The book also addresses modelling the effect of climate change, including the development of ecological models for addressing storm water pond issues, which are increasingly important in urban regions where more concentrated rainfalls are a consequence of climate change. The ecological engineering topics covered in the book also emphasize the advancements being made in applying ecological engineering regimes for better environmental management of lakes and wetlands. Examines recent progress towards a better understanding of these two important ecosystems Presents new results and approaches that can be used to develop better models Discusses how to increase the synergistic effect between ecosystems engineering and modelling