Influence of seasonal variation on the hydro-biogeochemical characteristics of two upland lakes in the Southeastern Amazon, Brazil.

Prafulla K Sahoo,Gustavo Pessim,Bergson C De Moraes,Tarcísio M Rodrigues,Marlene F Da Costa,Marcio S Da Silva,José T.F Guimarães,Pedro W.M Souza-Filho,Paulo F.P Pessoa,Renato O Silva Júnior,Roberto Dall'Agnol

doi:10.1590/0001-3765201620160354

Prafulla K Sahoo, Gustavo Pessim + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765201620160354

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Abstract

Limnological characteristics of the Violão and Amendoim lakes, in the Serra dos Carajás, Amazon, were studied interannually (2013-2014). Climate data indicate anomalous conditions during the 2013 rainy period with higher rainfall and lower temperature in the beginning (November). Lake levels were influenced after the first and second hour of each rainfall, which showed a strong synchronization between seasonal fluctuation of lake levels and local weather patterns. Based on the water quality, both lakes are classified as classes "1" and "2" in the CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente) scheme and as "excellent" to "good" in the WQI (Water Quality Index) categories. However, the limnology is distinctly different between the lakes and seasons. Higher trophic state and phytoplankton productivity were observed mainly during the rainy period in Violão Lake compared to Amendoim Lake. This may be due to deposition of leached nutrients in the former, mainly total phosphorus (TP), which was probably derived from mafic soils and guano. This is consistent with the significant positive correlation between Chlorophyll-a and TP at the end of the rainy period (March-April), whereas this was not observed in the beginning (November). This could possibly be a consequence of the more intense cloud cover, and unusual high rainfall that limits nutrient availability.

Highlights

The upland lakes of Amazonia are recognized as important features in the landscape and provide an important biodiversity/shelter for plants and animals (Esteves 1998, Tundisi and Matsumara-Tundisi 2008, Lopes et al 2011)
The hydroclimatic characteristics of Violão and Amendoim Lakes for 2013-2014 indicate that the water levels were strongly influenced by local rainfall patterns
Based on the CONAMA Resolution no. 375/2005, and Water Quality Index (WQI), both lakes are classified as class “I” to “II” and “excellent” to “good” categories, respectively

Summary

Introduction

The upland lakes of Amazonia are recognized as important features in the landscape and provide an important biodiversity/shelter for plants and animals (Esteves 1998, Tundisi and Matsumara-Tundisi 2008, Lopes et al 2011). Most investigations were undertaken on floodplain lakes and reservoirs (Molisani et al 2010, Affonso et al 2011), while studies on tropical upland lakes are scanty. This is true for the closed-basin lake systems of the Amazonia region where knowledge of biota and driving forces acting on them is limited (Lopes et al 2011)

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