Trophic conditions in Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire
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Abstract
Lake Winnisquam has received treated domestic sewage for approximately 50 years and since June 1961 has been treated with copper sulfate to control the growth of nuisance algae. The Laconia City secondary sewage-treatment plant was upgraded in 1975 to include phosphorus removal. Phosphorus was not removed effectively until early 1976, and, therefore, the 1976 data are considered baseline or pre-phosphorus removal with respect to anticipated changes in the trophic condition of the lake. Effluent from the Laconia State School primary-treatment plant was diverted to the Laconia City plant in October 1976. Dissolved oxygen concentrations showed marked differences between the two basins comprising Lake Winnisquam. Phytoplankton samples showed similarities by algal group for all stations but algal genera varied between the upper and lower basins. Total phosphorus concentrations in the epilimnion ranged from 0.01 to 0.10 milligram per liter, and accumulation of total phosphorus in the hypolimnion resulted in concentrations up to 0.59 milligrams per liter. Chemical states of nutrients varied among the stations corresponding to the degree of depletion of hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen profiles were used to illustrate zones of algal production, respiration, and bacterial decomposition. The rate of depletion of dissolved oxygen in the hypolimnion was linearly related to time. Because change in the rate of hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen depletion is more easily measured than change of nutrient load in the lake, it is suggested it be used as an indicator of the response of the lake to change in trophic condition.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Trophic conditions in Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 77-137 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri77137 |
| Year Published | 1977 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Description | v, 36 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Belknap County |
| Other Geospatial | Lake Winnisquam |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |