Controlling Water Quality and Algae Blooms In Valley Lake

Abstract

Literature on phosphorus and experiments on lakes with the addition of phosphorus is extensive. Also common is writing on algal blooms. However, there is a lack of literature on the effects of chemical treatments of lakes, specifically residential lakes, that experience algal blooms. A professional consultant administered bi-weekly treatments for algal blooms in Valley Lake, a small residential lake located in northeastern Illinois during the summer of 2005. Water sampling was done to follows the affects the treatments had on turbidity, % transmittance (another measure of clarity), and phosphorus. No significant statistical difference was observed in lake conditions when treated or left to rest for a week, with a minor exception to the % transmittance at the 1-meter depth. The overall changes in the variables, a treated vs. nontreated, and an individual treatment approach are taken to explore the dynamics of Valley Lake. The clarity of the lake was at its highest before spring turnover and steadily declined throughout the summer. Phosphorus levels varied slightly but did not appear to be greatly impacted by the treatments, possibly due to internal nutrient cycling. To improve water quality the dredging of bottom sediments may be required.