Assessing Eutrophication Severity in the Apodi‑Mossoró River Basin Using the Trophic State Index: A Statistical Analysis from 2018 to 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66069/ojspub.25360805Keywords:
Trophic State Index, Eutrophication, water quality, Apodi‑Mossoró basin, Phytoplankton, Pollution loadAbstract
This study investigates the trophic state of the Apodi‑Mossoró river basin from 2018 to 2026 using the Trophic State Index (IET) to assess water quality in terms of nutrient enrichment and its effects on phytoplankton proliferation. Descriptive statistics—including mean, mode, median, standard deviation, and variance—were calculated, accompanied by box‑plot visualization and hypothesis testing. The results reveal that the basin exhibited a severe degree of eutrophication during the study period, indicating substantial pollutant loading that directly impairs water quality. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted pollution control and basin management strategies to mitigate eutrophication and restore ecological balance.
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