Seasonal changes and spatial variation in the water quality of a eutrophic tropical reservoir determined by the inflowing river

Abstract

The water quality of a eutrophic tropical reservoir was studied over a 5-year period (2000-2004), with quarterly sampling (Jan, Apr, Jul, and Oct) carried out at 3 sampling stations with one station in each of 3 zones (fluvial, transitional, and lacustrine). During the wet season, large amounts of phosphorus were introduced into the reservoir by the increased inflow of the river. Dissolved oxygen, pH, and chlorophyll a levels peaked in the wet season; pH, chlorophyll a, and total phosphorus in several cases were recorded above the recommended Brazilian guidelines. Dissolved oxygen was lower than acceptable levels in the euphotic layer and reached very low levels in the hypolimnion, indicating thermal stratification. Efficient reservoir management is necessary to restore environmental quality, and our results indicate that selective withdrawal may be an effective means of improving the quality of water in Funil Reservoir. © Copyright by the North American Lake Management Society 2011.