Spatial and temporal variations of trophic state conditions of Lake Bunyonyi, south-western Uganda

Abstract The study was conducted to assess the spatial and temporal variations of trophic state condition Lake Bunyonyi between October 2019 September 2020. Secchi depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP) chlorophyll- a (Chl- ) concentration were measured aid quantification lake using Carlson index (CTSI). (TSI) values based on SD, TP Chl- 60.82 ± 5.35, 68.99 11.04 61.74 7.51, respectively. March 2020 recorded highest mean CSTI value (70.14 4.04), while in 2020, lowest (58.03 6.22) obtained. Based CTSI values, eutrophic both dry wet seasons albeit with differences values. is possibly attributed nutrients inflow into via runoff drainage from farmlands. negative TSI-Chl- –TSI-TP deviation pointed out that not limited, positive –TSI-SD revealed effect lake’s transparency. recommends necessity develop guidelines for status monitoring since results suggest deteriorating condition.