Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID AL_2025_Prasad

Decoding the eutrophication mystery in Harris Reservoir: the intriguing secrets of time-trapped legacy phosphorus to ignite harmful algal blooms

Institute: Alabama
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $35,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $35,000

Principal Investigators: Rishi Prasad

Project Summary: This Auburn University research project investigates why harmful algal blooms are occurring in Harris Reservoir, a key water source in Alabama. The team suspects that phosphorus, a nutrient often found in fertilizer and animal waste, has built up in the reservoir's sediments over time and is now leaking back into the water and fueling algae growth. Researchers will collect and analyze sediment samples to identify different forms of phosphorus and determine how much is available to trigger algal blooms. They'll also study how land use changes, like increased poultry farming, have contributed to this problem. By understanding the history and movement of phosphorus in the reservoir, the project will help water managers improve decision-making to protect water quality. The findings will be shared with local agencies and used to guide future conservation efforts across Alabama. This research could also serve as a model for studying other reservoirs in the state.