The universal trophic index: new methodological approach to eutrophication monitoring and control

Abstract

Anthropogenic eutrophication is one of the consequences of human activities observed from the beginning of urbanization processes and is now a widespread problem around the globe. Mitigation of eutrophication directly corresponds to the achievement of at least three main Sustainable Development Goals. Due to the complexity of eutrophication mechanisms, there are still many issues with managing this process and its consequences, that complicate the achievement of the above-mentioned objectives. So far, there is no universal definition of eutrophication and there is no unified methodological approach to surface water trophic status assessment. In connection with the above, a need arises for the development of scientifically and economically justified methods of reliable trophic state assessment, useful for solving application and engineering tasks. This paper presents a new approach to trophic state assessment based on the innovative universal trophic index (UTI), which can be used for fresh, brackish and saltwater bodies. The proposed UTI index was developed and verified using an extensive database of the Baltic Sea monitoring data for over 100 years. The elaborated method is a reliable tool for the assessment of water trophic status, which also allows for the development of predictive mathematical models as the basis for effective eutrophication management. In addition, the method is simple to use and enables the trophic state assessment at low cost, time and effort. The above-mentioned features make the proposed indicator meet the requirements set for modern ecological indicators and determine the advantage of the proposed methodological approach over other currently used methods.