Spatial and Long-Term Temporal Changes in Water Quality Dynamics of the Tonle Sap Ecosystem

Water

Zeb S. Hogan¹  Thomas E. Dilts²  Sudeep Chandra²  Sarah E. Null²  Flavia Tromboni²  Peng Bun Ngor²  Bunyeth Chan²  Savoeurn Soum²  Sapana Lohani²  Suzanne Kelson² 

[1] Department of Biology, Global Water Center, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA;Wonders of the Mekong Project, c/o Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Fisheries Administration, No. 186 Preah Norodom Blvd, Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh 12300, Cambodia;

关键词: Mekong River Basin;    Tonle Sap Lake;    Tonle Sap River;    hydroclimate;    tropical lake;    Cambodia;   

DOI  :  10.3390/w13152059

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Tonle Sap lake-river floodplain ecosystem (TSE) is one of the world’s most productive freshwater systems. Changes in hydrology, climate, population density, and land use influence water quality in this system. We investigated long term water quality dynamics (22 years) in space and time and identified potential changes in nutrient limitation based on nutrient ratios of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. Water quality was assessed at five sites highlighting the dynamics in wet and dry seasons. Predictors of water quality included watershed land use, climate, population, and water level. Most water quality parameters varied across TSE, except pH and nitrate that remained constant at all sites. In the last decade, there is a change in the chemical nutrient ratio suggesting that nitrogen may be the primary limiting nutrient across the system. Water quality was strongly affected by development in the watershed i.e., flooded forest loss, climatic variation, population growth, and change in water level. Seasonal variations of water quality constituents were driven by precipitation and hydrology, notably the Mekong’s distinct seasonal flood pulse.

【 授权许可】

Unknown