Influencia del nitrógeno amoniacal en la concentración de clorofila-a en la laguna de Yambo, provincia de Cotopaxi

Abstract

Yambo Lagoon is undergoing a eutrophication process, a phenomenon caused by anthropogenic activities that introduce excessive nutrients into the water body. Although there is an established procedure to evaluate the trophic status of water bodies, the high costs and challenges associated with in situ analyses have led to the use of satellite imagery as an alternative to complement and validate field data. This study aimed to assess the influence of ammoniacal nitrogen on chlorophyll-a concentrations in Yambo Lagoon using multispectral imagery and in situ data to identify its trophic status. A mixed and experimental methodological approach was employed, incorporating various techniques and tools for data collection, processing, and analysis. The diagnosis of the current situation of Yambo Lagoon revealed changes in the water body’s eutrophication. Moreover, the correlation analysis between ammoniacal nitrogen and chlorophylla concentration values showed a direct relationship (r=0.75). According to the TRIX index (8.42±), the lagoon is classified as highly eutrophic (Hypertrophic). The results also identified the C2X-COMPLEX processor as the most suitable for estimating chlorophyll concentration and transparency, with RMSE values of 74.21 and 0.19, respectively. Additionally, S2 satellite images determined that contamination hotspots with high nutrient levels are located in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the water body. In conclusion, ammoniacal nitrogen influences chlorophyll-a concentration, underscoring the importance of implementing necessary control measures to mitigate this phenomenon and restore the water body