Abstract
Qaraaoun Reservoir , the largest freshwater body in Lebanon , is a vital organ for the Bekaa region . It is used for hydropower generation, fishing, crop irrigation , and tourist activities. In this chapter, we assess the evolution of its physico-chemical and ecological status and compare it with the results of previous studies. The lake, which is considered as monomictic , stratifies in spring and summer providing different physico-chemical compositions at different depths. The trophic state of the lake has not witnessed any improvements in the last 10 years. Its phytoplankton community has low biodiversity and is dominated by toxic cyanobacterial blooms Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum. Due to these toxic blooms, using its water for swimming and drinking should be avoided under the present conditions. For safe use of its water, an effective management at the level of its watershed is highly recommended to improve water quality .
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This work has been funded with support from the National Council for Scientific Research—Lebanon.
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Fadel, A., Slim, K. (2018). Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Environmental Status of Qaraaoun Reservoir. In: Shaban, A., Hamzé, M. (eds) The Litani River, Lebanon: An Assessment and Current Challenges. Water Science and Technology Library, vol 85. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76300-2_5
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