Evaluation of Legacy Phosphorus, Internal Loading, and Zooplankton in Loon Lake for Future Management Decisions

Abstract

A pilot study was conducted on Loon Lake, in Steuben County, NY, to identify potential factors that may be contributing to increasingly frequent algal blooms. Three littoral zone "coves" were evaluated for their candidacy to serve as future aeration sites for a planned mitigation strategy by the Loon Lake Watershed Improvement Alliance (LLWIA). Observations of high phosphorus (P) concentrations were found in the hypolimnion that correlated with strongly reducing conditions, suggesting the release of legacy phosphorus from internal loading, and zooplankton (Daphnia species) collected during sampling at depths > 6 m displayed traits indicative of adaptation to hypoxic conditions (e.g., hemoglobin). Results of investigated "coves" found 2 sites provided adequate similarity for use as experimental and reference locations for planned aerator installation and study.