The universal trophic index: new methodological approach to eutrophication monitoring and control

Abstract

Anthropogenic eutrophication is one of the consequences of human activities observed from the beginning of urbanization processes and is now a widespread problem around the globe. Mitigation of eutrophication directly corresponds to the achievement of at least three main Sustainable Development Goals. Due to the complexity of eutrophication mechanisms, there are still many issues with managing this process and its consequences, that complicate the achievement of the above-mentioned objectives. So far, there is no universal definition of eutrophication and there is no unified methodological approach to surface water trophic status assessment. In connection with the above, a need arises for the development of scientifically and economically justified methods of reliable trophic state assessment, useful for solving application and engineering tasks. This paper presents a new approach to trophic state assessment based on the innovative universal trophic index (UTI), which can be used for fresh, brackish and saltwater bodies. The proposed UTI index was developed and verified using an extensive database of the Baltic Sea monitoring data for over 100 years. The elaborated method is a reliable tool for the assessment of water trophic status, which also allows for the development of predictive mathematical models as the basis for effective eutrophication management. In addition, the method is simple to use and enables the trophic state assessment at low cost, time and effort. The above-mentioned features make the proposed indicator meet the requirements set for modern ecological indicators and determine the advantage of the proposed methodological approach over other currently used methods.

Tuning the Fluorometric Sensing of Phosphate on UiO-66-NH2(Zr, Ce, Hf) Metal Nodes

“…Conventional and newly discovered materials such as activated carbon, MOFs, , metal nanoparticles, graphene composites, and others can be used to bind to phosphate (P) and prevent pollution. Identification of zones with high P concentrations that are at risk of eutrophication requires effective tools for monitoring P levels . The conventional analytical test for P detection relies on a tedious and laborious method employing molybdenum blue that involves using a number of reagents and incubation steps, and requires sequential mixing and time monitoring. , Materials such as MOFs, nanoparticles, metal complexes can be used as potential probes for P but in order to be used for sensing, in addition to P-recognition, they require a transduction modality so that binding can be measured by methods such as fluorometric, , colorimetric, , and electrochemical techniques. − Despite the discovery of many materials with P-binding ability, their use as probes and detection tools that can measure P in eutrophic zones is still limited.…”