Monsoon-induced response of algal chlorophyll to trophic state, light availability, and morphometry in 293 temperate reservoirs

Abstract

Eutrophication management is one of the greatest environmental challenges for lacustrine systems worldwide. The empirically predicted models between algal chlorophyll (CHL-a) and total phosphorus (TP) provide a basis for managing eutrophication in lakes and reservoirs, but other environmental factors influencing the empirical relations must be considered. Here, we tested the impacts of morphological and chemical variables, as well as the effect of the Asian monsoon, on the functional response of CHL-a to TP using two-year data of 293 agricultural reservoirs. This study was based on the approaches of empirical models (linear and sigmoidal), CHL-a:TP ratio, and trophic state index deviation (TSID). Algal CHL-a exhibited a strong log-linear relation with TP on the basis of 2-year average data (R2 = 0.69, p < 0.001), whereas it had a more sigmoidal relation in terms of monsoon-seasonal averages (R2 = 0.52, p < 0.001). The linear segment of the CHL-a–TP relation aligned with the gradient of TP (10 mg/L < TP < 100 mg/L) from mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions. The transfer efficiency of TP to CHL-a based on the 2-year mean CHL-a:TP was high (0.6 <) across all assessed agricultural systems. CHL-a:TP showed insignificant correlations with reservoir morphological variations, but it decreased (<0.5) in eutrophic and hypereutrophic systems during the monsoon season (July–August). Because TP and total suspended solids (TSS) have become increasingly abundant, light conditions become insufficient for algal growth during and after the monsoon season. Light-limited conditions become more prevalent in hypereutrophic systems with shallow depth and high dynamic sediment ratio (DSR) because of the intense rainfall inputs and wind-induced sediment resuspension of the post-monsoon season. TSID reflected the degree of phosphorus limitation and the reduction in underwater light corresponding to changes in reservoir water chemistry (ionic content, TSS, and TN:TP ratio), trophic state gradient, and morphological metrics (mainly mean depth and DSR). Our findings suggest that monsoon-induced changes in water chemistry and light attenuation, which are also associated with anthropogenic pollutant runoffs and reservoir morphology, are critical factors that influence the functional response of algal CHL-a to TP in temperate reservoirs. Modeling and assessing eutrophication should therefore take into account monsoon seasonality along with individual morphological features further.