Understanding a shallow lake ecology: Water quality and trophic status analysis

Monitoring the lake’s status protects aquatic life and human well-being. Therefore, the monitoring and assessment of the Baghdad Tourist Island Lake, environmental risk index, and trophic level at Baghdad City was carried out as the object of this study. Water samples were collected seasonally from 2022 to 2023. Physicochemical factors and chlorophyll were measured. The results indicate a spatiotemporal variation of physicochemical parameters in the lake, and an increase in total dissolved matter, nitrate, phosphate levels, and dissolved oxygen concentration was observed in the wet season. High values for chlorophyll-a and turbidity were observed in hot months. High concentrations of heavy metals and oxygen deficiency were observed simultaneously during the dry season. Based on the results, the lake was classified as mesotrophic, with significant environmental risks, including oxygen depletion and heavy metal contamination, representing ecosystem deterioration. Research findings enhance the pursuit of sustainable cities and communities. The study’s findings support Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and emphasize the need to improve water quality management. They also link to the other two goals (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water).