Trophic state of lake ecosystems and its relationship with the main hydroecological characteristics of water bodies: a case study of the lakes of Narochansky region (Belarus)

The study of trophic status and its relationship with the main hydroecological characteristics of water bodies was conducted in the 11 lakes of the Narochansky region from 2013 to 2023. The studied lakes of the Narochansky region span a considerable range of trophic status, from oligo-mesotrophic to highly eutrophic. The trophic status of the water bodies was evaluated using the Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI). The results of our research demonstrate that TSI is an adequate indicator of trophic status. The weighted average gross primary production and plankton decomposition for the entire water column demonstrate a strong and statistically significant relationship with the trophic level of the water bodies assessed by TSI. A strong correlation was observed between chlorophyll content and total phosphorus concentration. The correlation between chlorophyll and total nitrogen concentration is significantly weaker, indicating that phosphorus is the primary limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth in the studied lakes. No correlation was found between chlorophyll content and TSI with average temperature, as well as dissolved oxygen concentration in the hypolimnion. The assessment of trophic status should be considered an obligatory component of any limnological research endeavor, aimed at establishing an objective understanding of the condition of a water body.

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