Perspectives and challenges of applying the water-food-energy nexus approach to lake eutrophication modelling

•Eutrophication is one of the significant causes of lake water quality deterioration.•Eutrophication modeling has well developed but is not well addressed in WEF nexus.•A framework to streamline connection between up- and downstream models is necessary.•Eutrophication modeling should increase visibility in UN SDGs under WFE framework. The water-food-energy (WFE) nexus is about balancing competing interests to secure the sustainability of services provided by interconnected sectors. Ignoring the interconnections could cause serious consequences. For example, eutrophication caused by overemphasizing on food production maximization could threaten water security. Worldwide eutrophication intensification is one of the most important causes of the lake water quality deteriorations. Water quality models are usually important decision making tools for policy makers. This study attempts to explore the possibilities of applying the WFE nexus concept into water quality models. We propose the most significant challenge is lack of a common modelling framework to streamline connections between up- and downstream models. As the most important water quality issue, eutrophication modeling should increase its visibility in the United Nations Sustainable Develop Goals.