Effects of water level fluctuations on the trophic state of a connected lacustrine system (Southern Andes, Patagonia, Argentina): applicability of the CDOM method as a monitoring tool of eutrophication

Abstract

Hydrological connectivity plays a central role in lake’s functioning and is strongly influenced by water level fluctuations (WLFs), which occur naturally or due to human activities and can induce changes in lakes’ trophic states. Traditionally, trophic state has been assessed using the Trophic State Index (TSI), but recently, the chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) emerged as a new indicator of eutrophication. We conducted a two-years seasonal survey in three interconnected Andean-Patagonian lakes (Argentina), with different hydrogeomorphic features and macrophyte cover, considering both low-water (LWP) and high-water (HWP) phases. We aimed to determine the influence of WLFs and macrophyte cover on TSI dynamics, and to evaluate the use of CDOM for monitoring the trophic state of these Andean-Patagonian lakes. TSI ranged from ultraoligotrophy to mesotrophy and showed significant changes between rainy and dry seasons, particularly in shallow lakes. WLFs revealed as an important regulatory factor in this connected system, since a pronounced differentiation of physicochemical variables occurred among lakes during LWP, and a homogenization during HWP. Submerged macrophytes strongly affected nutrient dynamics, especially N, and consequently TSI. During LWP, nutrient release associated with macrophyte senescence resulted in elevated TSI values in the shallowest lake. During periods of macrophyte growth and higher hydrological connectivity, a dilution effect developed, with reduced TSI values. Strong correlations found between TSI and CDOM (a₂₅₄), highlighted CDOM as a reliable indicator of TSI, even in ultraoligotrophic lakes. The positive relationship TSI-a₃₅₅ suggests the potential use of optical satellites to estimate TSI, increasing spatial and temporal monitoring capabilities.