Eutrophication Dynamics in Freshwater Lake: Nutrient Loading, Ecological Impacts and Mitigation Strategies
Raju Potharaju *
Department of Botany, C.K.M. Govt Arts & Science College, Warangal, Telangana, 506006, India.
M. Aruna
Department of Botany, Hydrobiology and Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Telangana University, Dichpally, Nizamabad, Telangana, 503322, India.
K.L.V. Prasada Rao
Department of Botany, C.K.M. Govt Arts & Science College, Warangal, Telangana, 506006, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Eutrophication, or nutrient enrichment, alters primary production and species composition in aquatic systems such lakes, rivers, estuaries, and oceans. Natural eutrophication occurs across timeframes that are often consistent with geological ones. Natural eutrophication occurs over substantial periods of time, as defined by geological time scales. Six data stations were set up around Ramappa Lake for my research investigation. From May 2023 until April 2024, tiny boats visited the station. Water samples were taken using Nansen bottles at depths of 0.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 meters. We were able to sample both higher and lower strata because to stratification. Each channel's composite samples were obtained using a horizontal water sampler or plastic bottles. The measured values in the channels included organic carbon (TOC), total suspended solids (TSS), phosphorus (TP), ortho-phosphate (OP), nitrate (N), and ammonia (AM). Samples for t-PAH measurements were collected in two amber glass containers with 5.5 L capacity each. The samples were transferred to the laboratory in ice trays and kept there for two to three hours. The flow of water from each source was also observed during the sampling procedure. A channel's flow rate was calculated using its outflow velocity and cross-sectional area. Algal blooms have different growth patterns depending on nitrogen levels, which vary across locales.
Keywords: Algal blooms, eutrophication, phytoplankton nutrients