Itaipu Reservoir limnology: eutrophication degree and the horizontal distribution of its limnological variables

Reservoirs are manmade habitats, intermediate between rivers and lakes, presenting distinct hydrological and morphometric characteristics, with differential mean water residence time. They also present proper vertical and horizontal organisations, and their evolution depends on several variables acting on different special and temporal scales. The water quality evolution of the Itaipu Reservoir was evaluated through the analysis of the physical, chemical and biological variables, and by the application of Trophic State Indices. We concluded that the limnological variables present a horizontal pattern of variation highly dependent upon the hydrological regime. The turbidity and total suspended solids presented the same distribution pattern in the reservoir zones. The fluvial zone had the highest concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids and turbidity. The results of the Trophic State Indices indicate a mesotrophic level for the fluvial and transition zones, and an oligotrophic one for the lacustrine zone.