An ecological response index for simultaneous prediction of eutrophication and metal pollution in Domat Al-Gandal lake, Saudi Arabia.

Man-made lakes are landscape modifications that can help the ecology. Artificial lakes may support several ecosystems. New plants and animals alter ecosystems. Humans constructed Domat Al-Gandal Lake which is located between 29°49'12.08N and 29°48'23.54N and 39°54'9.33E and 39°54'57.19E in northern Saudi Arabia. Eutrophication affects the water quality in many lakes worldwide by encouraging the growth of planktonic algae. Natural and man-made sources add heavy metals to lakes. Most heavy metals are low in concentrations. Summer temperatures reached 28.9 °C and winter temperatures 10.8 °C. Maximum turbidity occurred in winter (5.53 NTU) and minimum in autumn (4.15 NTU). The regional transparency averaged 2.48 m. Autumn and spring pH was 7.60 to 8.28, respectively. Total phosphorus ranged from 101.48 to 88.85 µg/L. Regional heavy metal averages fluctuated little. Four phytoplankton communities groups were identified. Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Dinophyceae. Seasonal changes in phytoplankton populations were narrow. Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta had the highest-standing crops. Maximum phytoplankton density was in the north (84.045 X 10³ Cell/L) and the south (71.370 X 10³ Cell/L). This research examined the numerous approaches used to evaluate lake water quality and eutrophication, showed, and analyzed eutrophication sources, nutrient transformations, and eutrophication mechanisms, and proposed complete management options for watershed development.