ASSESSMENT OF THE TROPHIC STATE OF YAGUARCOCHA LAGOON USING AQUATOX SOFTWARE

• Published in: RGSA : Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental 2024-01, Vol.18 (7), p.1-14
• Main Authors: Lara, Juan Gabriel Mollacana, Medina, María Salomé Heredia, Mendoza, César Iván Álvarez, Pozo, Jessica Michelle Guarnan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic ecosystems; Bioremediation; Chlorophyll; Chlorophylls; Design of experiments; Ecosystems; Effectiveness; Environmental modeling; Errors; Eutrophic environments; Eutrophic lakes; Eutrophication; Experimental design; Lagoons; Lakes; Model accuracy; Myriophyllum spicatum; Nutrients; Phosphorus; Simulation; Simulation models; Software; Sustainability; Sustainability management; Trophic state; Tropical lakes; Water quality; Water transparency
• ISSN: 1981-982X
• DOI: 10.24857/rgsa.v18n7-094

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trophic state of Yahuarcocha Lagoon using the AQUATOX simulation model. We sought to understand the dynamics of eutrophication in this aquatic ecosystem and assess the effectiveness of Myriophyllum spicatum as a bioremediation strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of eutrophication. Methodology: We implemented an experimental design to measure key variables reflecting the trophic state of Yahuarcocha Lagoon, including Secchi disk depth, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll concentrations. Over four months, from September to December, eight sampling sessions were conducted to collect essential data. The AQUATOX software was used to model these environmental variables and mean squared error and relative error were employed to validate the model's accuracy. Additionally, the potential of Myriophyllum spicatum to improve the water quality of the lagoon was investigated. Results and Conclusions: Our findings indicated that Yahuarcocha Lagoon exhibited a hypereutrophic state based on total phosphorus concentrations and a eutrophic state regarding chlorophyll and Secchi disk depth. Although the AQUATOX model did not achieve a fully satisfactory level of validation, the introduction of Myriophyllum spicatum as a bioremediation agent proved to be an effective measure, facilitating a notable improvement in water quality from a hypereutrophic to eutrophic state in terms of total phosphorus and chlorophyll a, as well as an advance in water transparency from a eutrophic to mesotrophic state. Research Implications: This study emphasizes the significant vulnerability of lakes to eutrophication and underscores the importance of adopting effective management strategies to preserve water quality. The results support the use of Myriophyllum spicatum as a viable bioremediation technique, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional chemical interventions for treating eutrophic lake ecosystems. Originality / Value: This research contributes to the understanding of eutrophication in Yahuarcocha Lagoon and highlights the effectiveness of bioremediation with Myriophyllum spicatum, a strategy scarcely explored in this specific context. By integrating environmental modeling with practical applications of bioremediation, this study provides innovative insights into the sustainable management of eutrophication in tropical lakes. The findings not only have implications for local environmental conservation but a