Graphical Representation and Brief Interpretation of 2014 Water Chemistry Results
Option 2
This graph shows the total phosphorous concentration in White Lake waters measured during 2014. Also shown are the water temperature and the Secchi Depth.
These results show that the P results for different locations on the lake taken on the same date (June data) are fairly consistent, but do show minor variation. The more important finding is that the P concentrations varies significantly during the course of the summer and into the fall. In fact levels of P reached concentrations well above 20 ug/L. At this concentration, the lake can be classified as eutrophic (not good!) and may exhibit persistent and even dangerous algal blooms.
More studies of this kind need to be completed and for several years to determine if there is a trend. Isolation of the main sources of P need to be identified and quantitated. Sources include dissolved P in water entering the lake, bedrock contributions as well as input from human waste from septic systems.
These results show that the P results for different locations on the lake taken on the same date (June data) are fairly consistent, but do show minor variation. The more important finding is that the P concentrations varies significantly during the course of the summer and into the fall. In fact levels of P reached concentrations well above 20 ug/L. At this concentration, the lake can be classified as eutrophic (not good!) and may exhibit persistent and even dangerous algal blooms.
More studies of this kind need to be completed and for several years to determine if there is a trend. Isolation of the main sources of P need to be identified and quantitated. Sources include dissolved P in water entering the lake, bedrock contributions as well as input from human waste from septic systems.