Water quality - chlorophyll A correlations across five lakes in northern Michigan.

Abstract

Rivers, Lakes, & WetlandsWater samples and water clarity measurements were collected from five lakes of differing trophic status located in northern Michigan (Douglas, Burt, Mullet, Black, and Crooked Lakes) during peak algae production to test the hypothesis that chlorophyll a concentrations will correlate with water clarity depth. Water clarity was measured using a secchi disk; the depth reported was the mean of three separate trials per lake in one location. A photometer (Li-Core photometer Li-192sa) was used to measure light penetration at each sample site to a depth of approximately 1 meter below secchi disk visibility. Water samples were taken at meter intervals to the depth previously established by the Secchi disk. Only one lake, Burt Lake, was found to have a significant correlation between light penetration and chl a concentration; no other lakes had a significant correlation. We recommend that further investigation be conducted on the relationship between algal biomass and zebra mussels due to their possible influence on water clarity.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/88214/1/Forrest_Klarr_2011.pd