Eutrophication assessment of coastal waters based on indicators: a literature review

TL;DRAbstract

Numerous methods have been developed for the quantitative assessment of eutrophication: statistical techniques, simulation models and water quality indicators are the most widely used techniques to assess trophic levels. All these methods share a common goal: to evaluate the environmental impact due to high nutrient concentrations / phytoplankton biomass and classify the waters into oligotrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic water types. This classification provides a useful tool for assessing environmental quality and help coastal managers and planners in the decision making. In the present work the indicators used for eutrophication assessment are reviewed. They provide useful information because voluminous amounts of data can be expressed through a single number. Variable indices such as chlorophyll and nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton biomass and water transparency are examined and ranges defining levels of eutrophication are proposed. Among the flux measurements, primary produc

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