Environmental status of a tropical lake system

Abstract

Eutrophication has become a serious threat to the lake systems all over the world. This is mainly due to the pollution caused by anthropogenic activities. Carlson trophic state index (CTSI) is commonly used for the classification of trophic conditions of surface waters. The study is conducted to assess the trophic status of a tropical lake (Akkulam-Veli lake, Kerala, India) using CTSI based on Secchi disc depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll-a. The TSI values based on SD and TP are high (>70), indicating the hypereutrophic state which needs urgent action for the restoration of the fragile ecosystem. The higher TP in both lakes, and the lower value of chlorophyll-a in the Akkulam part, warrant explanation, are discussed here. The influence of other biochemical parameters in both the Akkulam and the Veli part of the lake has been assessed. Correlation analysis is conducted to study the effect of various water quality parameters. The variation in the water quality before and after the opening of sand bar is studied using paired t test. As almost all the lakes in the world are experiencing similar situation of extinction, this study is helpful to have an insight in the hydrochemistry of the lake as well as to identify the worst affected areas of the lakes.