Oligotrophic vs Eutrophic Lakes vs Mesotrophic lake:
Lake Ecosystem is an example for a lentic ecosystem. An aquatic ecosystem with stationary or relatively still water is called lentic ecosystem. Based on the trophic state* and productivity, the lake ecosystem is divided into three categories.
Oligotrophic lake:
A lake with low productivity, low nutrients and clear water with drinking water quality.
Eutrophic lake:
A lake with high productivity, high nutrients and with dark water. The water is usually not good for drinking purpose.
Mesotrophic lake:
A lake with intermediate nutrient level and productivity.
This post describes the similarities and differences between an Oligotrophic Lake Ecosystem and a Eutrophic Lake Ecosystem as a comparison table.
Similarities between Oligotrophic and Eutrophic Lakes / Ponds
Ø Both are aquatic ecosystems.
Ø Both are natural ecosystems.
Ø Both contain biological and abiological components.
Ø Water in both ecosystems is rich in oxygen.
Ø Both are lentic ecosystems.
Ø Both ecosystems show thermal stratification.
Difference between Oligotrophic and Eutrophic Lakes/Ponds
| Sl. No. | Oligotrophic Lakes | Eutrophic Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oligotrophic lakes are usually deep in depth | Eutrophic lakes are shallow in depth |
| 2 | Poor nutrient content in the water especially nitrates and phosphates | High nutrient content in the water especially nitrates and phosphates |
| 3 | Low primary productivity | High primary productivity |
| 4 | Oxygen rich water in the hypolimnion | Oxygen deficient water in hypolimnion |
| 5 | High species diversity of green algae and low species diversity of blue green algae | Low species diversity of green algae and high species diversity of blue green algae |
| 6 | Green algae dominate in the ecosystem | Blue green algae dominate in the ecosystem |
| 7 | # Carlson’s Trophic State Index: <30 – 40 | Carlson’s Trophic State Index: 50 – 70 |
| 8 | Chlorophyll content in the ecosystem: 0 – 2.6 | Chlorophyll content: 20 – 56 |
| 9 | Level of phosphate in the water: 0 – 12 | Level of phosphate: 24 – 96 |
| 10 | Low density of species | High density of species |
| 11 | Plant nutrient flux will be low | Plant nutrient flux will be high |
| 12 | Algal blooms occur very rarely | Algal blooms occur very frequently |
| 13 | Clear water | Water usually dark due to the growth of algae |
| 14 | Drinking water quality | Water may not good for drinking purpose due the high growth of algae |
| 15 | Commonly occur in cold regions | Usually occurs in warmer regions |
| 16 | Chance of eutrophication is less | Chance of eutrophication is high |