•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Relationships between nonpoint source pollutant loadings and water quality degradation in lakes have been established. However, practical methodologies necessary to identify and manage nonpoint sources in accordance with lake water quality indices have been lacking. Objectives of the current study were as follows: (1) to compare predicted model values for in-lake total phosphorus (TP) concentrations with actual values; and (2) to determine the applicability of areal phosphorus loading models for lake resources management. The research site was located 19 km west of the City of Little Rock in the Lake Maumelle basin. Areal total phosphorus (TP) loadings in g m^-2yr^-1 were calculated for existing and projected watershed land uses for the period of 1985 to 2005. Model predictions for in-lake TP concentrations yielded .0204 mg 1^-1 and .0223 mg 1^-1 for the years 1985 and 2005, respectively. An average summertime TP value of .0280 mg 1^-1 was measured in Lake Maumelle. The predicted TP value was not significantly different from the measured TP value. This model offers a practical planning approach for managing lake resources when phosphorus limited conditions are present.

Share

COinS