A GIS Methodology to Determine the Critical Regions for Mitigating Eutrophication in Large Territories: The Case of Jalisco, Mexico

Inadequate management practices for solid waste and wastewater are some of the main causes eutrophication globally, especially in regions where intensive livestock, agricultural, industrial activities coupled with inexistent or ineffective treatment infrastructure. In this study, a methodological approach is presented to spatially assess trophic state large territories based on public water quality databases. The index (TSI) includes total nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll A, chemical oxygen demand, Secchi disk depth values as indicators. A geographical information system (GIS) was used manage spatiotemporal attributes data, addition displaying results TSI calculations. As case applied determine critical mitigating Jalisco, Mexico. Although decreasing trend observed over time most subbasins (2012–2019), tendency extreme hypereutrophication regions, such Guadalajara metropolitan area Altos region, which high economic relevance at level. correlation analysis performed between parameters rainfall measurements all under analysis, suggested nutrient wash-off during rainy seasons subbasins; however, further research needed quantify real impacts by including other variables elevation slope. relationships indicators land cover were also explored. GIS methodology proposed study can be time, taking advantage available This will enable efficient development implementation policies mitigate sources, well allocation resources regions. Further studies should focus applying integrated approaches combining on-site monitoring remote sensing machine learning algorithms evaluate territories.