Evaluation of eutrophication in freshwater lakes: A new non-equilibrium statistical approach

•The lake eutrophication mechanism was simulated by a new dynamic model.•This model is based on the maximum flux principle and self-organized map.•This model accounts for the interaction among factors affecting eutrophication.•The physical factors can identify trophic status of clean-state lakes.•The trophic level of turbid-state lakes is driven by chemical nutrients.