Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2013ND275B

Temporal-spatial distribution (dynamics) of phytoplankton and diversity in relation to lake physical and chemical condition

Institute: North Dakota
Year Established: 2013 Start Date: 2013-03-01 End Date: 2014-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $3,007 Total Non-Federal Funds: $5,226

Principal Investigators: Wei Lin

Project Summary: Eutrophication of lakes and reservoirs as a result of anthropogenic input of nutrients, especially phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) cause serious water quality concern in the upper Great Plains. Excessive nutrient load results in excessive development of phytoplankton and rooted aquatic plants. High phytoplankton growth leads to DO consumption during nights. The purpose of this research is specifically, to evaluate effect of the aeration system on change of phytoplankton shift of species. Specific objectives are: 1. To identify phytoplankton species during the seasons and the cause(s) algae patterns; 2. To conduct on site measurements and laboratory analyses of lake water samples to determine effect on aeration system in relation to phytoplankton environmental factors; 3. To determine physical and chemical factors favoring cyanobacteria dominance and blooms in eutrophic lake, and to define impact of aeration system on cyanobacteria growth through change in nutrient availability