Algal bloom in Natural Cavity Lagoa Misteriosa (MS 043), Jardim, MS, Brazil: an integrated analysis of physical-chemical, biological, and climatological features

Natural cavity Lagoa Misteriosa is the deeper flooded cave in Brazil, with more than 220 m of the water column. Its unique geological features, allied to its biodiversity, scenic beauty, and annual cycles of algal bloom, give this ecosystem a unique status in Brazil. Between 2005 and 2009, a series of studies were carried out to support a cavity management plan involving data collection of pond water level, rainfall, temperature, physicochemical and biological analyses of water, visibility among others. From these studies, it was possible to formulate a model that explains the seasonality of algal blooms responsible for the turbidity of waters during the summer. The results showed that rainfall and temperature fall are the main agents acting in the algae bloom, related to nutrients carryover and increased primary production.