THE IMPACT OF INTERNAL PHOSPHORUS LOADING ON THE RESTORATION OF TROUT LAKE

The accelerated eutrophication of many lakes by society is a problem of increasing concern. The increase in photosynthetic productivity may decrease water clarity, alter dissolved oxygen profiles, and decrease the aesthetic value of a lake. For those lakes which possess high levels of water quality, the need for lake management arises. The first step in developing management techniques for any lake is to collect baseline data—primarily measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, transparency, and calculation of a lake's morphometric parameters. Beaulac, Reckhow, and Simpson (1980) [1] indicate that the analysis of lake water nutrient concentration (phosphorus/nitrogen) and calculation of annual nutrient budgets are important additions to baseline data. By studying a lake and its watershed, relationships fundamental to the development of lake prediction models may be determined which operate as a function of nutrient–related parameters such as the areal phosphorus and water loading to a lake. Quantitative changes in phosphorus loading can be interpreted to provide changes in lake water phosphorus concentration and subsequently trophic status. Predictions made through the use of such models serve as a basis for management decisions. Copyright © 1990 American Institute of Chemical Engineers