31-Potential effects of phosphorus on lake water quality

Abstract

Pollution resulting from increased human activities is threating lakes. Its effects have been characterized by serious eutrophication. A steady increase of phosphorus loading is most important factor of lake eutrophication. Phosphorus enters in fresh water system as atmospheric input point sources, nonpoint sources and sources within water system. Generally the 10% sources of phosphorus come from point sources such as wastewater and industrial discharge and left come from the nonpoint sources. Phosphorus is the nutrient essential for the plant growth. Too much phosphorus in water is the cause of algal bloom and excessive plant growth affecting the lake water quality in different ways. Phosphorus provokes complex reaction in the lakes. Phosphorus often includes both soluble reactive phosphorus and total phosphorus. Soluble reactive phosphorus dissolves in water and readily aids to the plant growth. Total phosphorus is considered a bitter indicator for a lake nutrient. Elevated concentration of phosphorus level however can increases the productivity of fresh water system and in very productive fresh water there is less availability of oxygen which then affects the fish life in lakes. Various management practices and various control measures can improve water quality of lakes. This paper highlights sources, impacts and control measures of phosphorus in the lake water.