Calibration of a Water-Quality Model for Herrington Lake Using Empirically Derived Measurements of Phytoplankton Growth and Nutrient Assimilation

Authors

Paul A. Bukaveckas
Angela S. Crain

Abstract

Importance of light limitation, nutrient availability, and hydrology in controlling the abundance and composition of the phytoplankton community of Herrington Lake (KY) was investigated over a two-year period. Selected environmental parameters were measured every two weeks (April-October) at five sampling stations located along the longitudinal gradient of the reservoir. In addition, short-term (48hr) nutrient enrichment experiments were conducted to assess the spatial and temporal variations in nutrient limitation. Phytoplankton growth responses to the combined addition of nitrogen (NO₃) and phosphorus (PO₄) were greater than those resulting from the addition of either nutrient alone. These results indicate that phytoplankton production was closely co-limited by the availability of both N and P. The magnitude of the phytoplankton responses to nutrient additions was greatest at downstream stations and in late summer suggesting that those populations experience more severe nutrient limitation. Significant interannual variations in nutrient limitation and primary production were observed during this study period (1995-1996). In 1995, nutrient limitation was more severe than in 1996. Above average rainfall and discharge in 1996 coincided with increased productivity (mg C/m³/hr) and minimal nutrient limitation. Phytoplankton community composition showed similar patterns of seasonal succession in both years.

Publication Date

1997

Report Number

202

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/kwrri.rr.202

Funding Information

The work on which this report is based was supported in part by the Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. as authorized by the Water Resources Research Act P.L. 101-397

The activities on which this report is based were financed in part by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, through the Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute their endorsement by the United States Government.

Research was supported by grants from the U.S. EPA Clean Lakes Program, and the Kentucky Water Resources Institute through the U.S. Department of the Interior. Additional support was provided by a grant from the Kentucky Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development.

Repository Citation

Bukaveckas, Paul A. and Crain, Angela S., "Calibration of a Water-Quality Model for Herrington Lake Using Empirically Derived Measurements of Phytoplankton Growth and Nutrient Assimilation" (1997). KWRRI Research Reports. 4.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kwrri_reports/4