Water Turbidity as One of the Trophic State Indices in Butrinti Lake

Abstract

In this paper we are presenting observations, data and some conclusions regarding the water turbidity and transparency of the aquatic ecosystem of Butrinti Lake in southern Albania. Located amidst a major tourist attraction area, Butrinti Lake is fed by fresh waters from surrounding areas and discharges into Ionian Sea. Although development is preset in the area, it is still minor as part of the area is a National Park. Turbidity, as an optical property which describes the cloudiness of the water, is a measure of the degree to which the water becomes less transparent due to the presence of suspended particulates, including sediments and phytoplankton. The water turbidity parameters were measured every two weeks over a year, monitoring three selected stations in this water ecosystem. Turbidity of water in such ecosystems is measured in FTU (Formazin Turbidity Units) using a portable turbid meter (in our case type HANNA HI 93703-11), which measures the intensity of light scattered at 90 degrees, as a beam of light passes through a water sample.