Carlson, Robert E. (1977) A trophic state index for lakes. Limnology and
Oceanography, 22, 361-369.
This is where I first learned how to calculate TSI values. Carlson does a great job of
providing detailed instructions on how to reach these sometimes complicated values in an
easy manner.
Burns, Noel M., et. al. (2002) Trends in Temperature, Secchi Depth, and Dissolved
Oxygen Depletion Rates in the Central Basin of Lake Erie, 1983-2002. J. Great Lakes
Res. 31 (supplement 2):35-49
Lake Erie is a rapidly changing, highly populated location. Significant research data has
been compiled and many successful restoration projects have been the result of it. This
data set shows 20 years, a nice large set, of temperature, secchi depth, and dissolved
oxygen in Lake Erie.
Yi-Ting Liou and Shang-Lien Lo (2005) A fuzzy index model for trophic status
evaluation of reservoir waters. Water Research, vol. 39 issue 7, April 2005, 14151423.
The fuzzy index model has been used since the 1990s, using yet another different
approach to classifying water bodies. Rather than assigning a numerical scale to water
quality like Carlson did, fuzzy classification systems categorize water bodies into
several quality classes or levels. The authors do not give an opinion of which index is
better, they simply explain how to use the fuzzy index model.
Bricker, S. D. et. al. (2003) An integrated methodology for assessment of estuarine
trophic status. Ecological Modelling vol. 169 issue 1, 39-60.
This paper describes the methodology for the Assessment of Estuarine Trophic Status
(ASSETS). This is yet another way to measure estuary quality using trophic status
quantative figures along with anthropological qualitative measurements to come up
with the overall ASSETS value.
Rakocevic-Nedovic, Jelena and Hollert, Henner. (2005) Phytoplankton Community and
Chlorophyll a as Trophic State Indices of Lake Skadar (Montenegro, Balkan) ESPR –
Environmental Science & Pollution Research vol. 12 issue 3, 146 – 152.
This study looked at the usage of phytoplankton conditions as an indicator of the trophic
state of Lake Skadar. They measured Chlorophyll a and other nutrients, along with
transparency, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity. Most of the phytoplankton data
showed Lake Skadar to be mesotrophic, and the authors recommend that further studies
be done on zooplankton grazing and toxic substances as influences on phytoplankton.
G. C. Siguaa, et. al. (2006) Nitrogen and Phosphorus Status of Soils and Trophic State of
Lakes Associated with Forage-Based Beef Cattle Operations in Florida Journal of
Environmental Quality vol. 35, 240-252.
Forage-based livestock systems have been major contributors to
deteriorating water quality, particularly for excess phosphorus from commercial
fertilizers and manures. The authors decide that maintaining a balance between the
amounts of nutrients removed as forages, hay, or livestock is critical for water quality
protection.
DeNicola, Dean M. et. al. (2004) USING EPILITHIC ALGAL COMMUNITIES TO
ASSESS TROPHIC STATUS IN IRISH LAKES. Journal of Phycology vol. 40 issue 3,
481–495.
Nine different environmental variables in 32 different lakes in Ireland were measured in
relation to taxonomic composition of shallow epilithic algal communities. These
measurements are found to be more suitable for temporal changes and not for yearly
changes.