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 Phosphorus
is a naturally occurring substance which makes its way into lakes via atmospheric
deposition (in the form of precipitation) and watershed runoff. Unfortunately,
humans also often contribute high levels of this element to the watersheds adjacent
to their property. The primary human sources are sewers, lawn fertilizers, and wastes
containing phosphate-laden soaps.
It is well known that phosphorus is the nutrient that limits algal production in
most of Nova Scotia's lakes. When this nutrient is present in excess, nuisance quantities
of algae may appear which decrease the aesthetic value of the lake. Algal blooms
also lead to foul odors and poor visibility within the water column. Collectively,
these conditions are the symptoms of eutrophication which equates to the aging process
of a lake. Although eutrophication takes thousands of years under natural conditions,
humans can cause a lake to age in less decade.
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Cultural eutrophication is characterized by:
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increased rooted aquatic plants
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increased algae
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decreased dissolved oxygen for fish and other aquatic organisms
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