Carlson's Trophic State Index and Southern Minnesota Lakes

Location

CSU

Student's Major

Chemistry and Geology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Bryce Hoppie

Mentor's Department

Chemistry and Geology

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Carlson's Trophic State Index (TSI) uses phosphorous and chlorophyll-a concentrations as well as Secchi disk readings to measure the quality of Mankato-area lakes. The purpose of our research is to determine if heterogeneity exists between three distinct sites within each lake. EPA approved techniques were used to obtain Secchi disk readings and to measure the concentration of chlorophyll-a and phosphorus. Preliminary results indicate that heterogeneity exists, between phosphorus concentrations at different points on each lake. Spatial variability was also found in chlorophyll-a concentrations. Heterogeneity was not found in the Secchi disk data. Further data analysis will determine if heterogeneity exists in the TSI data for each lake. Initially, these results suggest that lakes are not well mixed. Multiple sampling sites, therefore, should be analyzed to accurately measure the trophic state of a lake.

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Carlson's Trophic State Index and Southern Minnesota Lakes

CSU

Carlson's Trophic State Index (TSI) uses phosphorous and chlorophyll-a concentrations as well as Secchi disk readings to measure the quality of Mankato-area lakes. The purpose of our research is to determine if heterogeneity exists between three distinct sites within each lake. EPA approved techniques were used to obtain Secchi disk readings and to measure the concentration of chlorophyll-a and phosphorus. Preliminary results indicate that heterogeneity exists, between phosphorus concentrations at different points on each lake. Spatial variability was also found in chlorophyll-a concentrations. Heterogeneity was not found in the Secchi disk data. Further data analysis will determine if heterogeneity exists in the TSI data for each lake. Initially, these results suggest that lakes are not well mixed. Multiple sampling sites, therefore, should be analyzed to accurately measure the trophic state of a lake.