Determining the Trophic State of Sweet Briar Lake and the Influence Water Quality has on the Aquatic Life

• Main Author: Frye, Rich
• Language: EN
• Published: Minot State University 2017
• Subjects: Science education
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10617386

<p> In this study, the water quality of Sweet Briar Lake was tested to determine the trophic state of the lake and to determine if the lake can support aquatic organisms. Water samples were collected from two locations at different depths. Samples were collected once a month for six months. Six tests were conducted to help determine the trophic state and water quality of the lake. The tests conducted were nitrogen concentration, phosphorus concentration, Chlorophyll-a concentration, Secchi disc transparency, dissolved oxygen levels and water temperature. Total nitrogen at both locations ranged from 1.767 mg/L to 3.340 mg/L. Total phosphorus at both locations ranged from 0.086 mg/L to 0.724 mg/L. Chlorophyll-a concentrations at location 1 ranged from 0.0176 mg/L to 0.0412 mg/L and location 2 ranged from 0.00834 mg/L to 0.0147 mg/L. Secchi disc transparency at location 1 ranged from 0.4 m to 0.6 m and location 2 ranged 0.6 m to 1.75 m. Oxygen levels did not fall below 2 mg/L except at location 2, during the months of June and July. All tests indicated that Sweet Briar Lake was highly eutrophic to hypereutrophic. Oxygen levels in the lake are adequate to support aquatic organisms.</p><p>