Strategies for Eutrophication Control in Tropical and Subtropical Lakes

Cristian Alberto Espinosa-Rodríguez (), Luz Jazmin Montes-Campos, Ligia Rivera- De la Parra (), Alfredo Pérez-Morales and Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez
Additional contact information
Cristian Alberto Espinosa-Rodríguez: Grupo de Investigación en Limnología Tropical, UIICSE, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
Luz Jazmin Montes-Campos: Grupo de Investigación en Limnología Tropical, UIICSE, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
Ligia Rivera- De la Parra: Laboratorio de Fisiología Vegetal L-204, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
Alfredo Pérez-Morales: Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Universidad de Colima, Manzanillo 28860, Mexico
Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez: Grupo de Investigación en Limnología Tropical, UIICSE, FES Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Eutrophication, a growing environmental concern, exacerbates algal blooms and alters the physical and chemical properties of water, thereby diminishing biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services. While various control strategies have been developed, most are designed for temperate regions and may not be applicable to tropical systems, which differ ecologically and climatically. This study reviewed 84 articles published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on eutrophication management in tropical and subtropical lakes. The studies were categorized into physical (8), chemical (17), and biological (59) approaches. Over time, research activity has increased, with Asia leading in publication output. Among biological strategies, biomanipulation—especially the use of macrophytes—emerged as the most common and effective strategy. Macrophytes are preferred due to their strong antagonistic interaction with algae, ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness, and minimal ecological risks. While the review also addresses the limitations of each method, it concludes that macrophyte-based biomanipulation remains a promising tool for mitigating eutrophication in tropical and subtropical freshwater ecosystems. In this context, effective lake restoration requires balancing ecological goals with human needs, supported by stakeholder engagement, community education, and multi-sectoral governance.

Keywords: biomanipulation; cyanobacteria; algal bloom control; nutrients; macrophytes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/17/7755/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/17/7755/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7755-:d:1736643

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().