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Abstract
Eutrophication
poses a great threat to the recreational potential of lakes due to the
health effects associated with toxic algal blooms.
Increased nutrient loading can stimulate algal growth.
Although there are established management practices in place for
eutrophicated shallow lakes; there is a distinct lack of guidance for
unusual water bodies, such as coastal lagoons and saline lakes, which
are suffering the effects of eutrophication.
Poole
Park Lake is a saline lake that is experiencing elevated nutrient levels
and consequently increased algal growth.
To control the algal blooms, the lake is flushed fortnightly
during the summer months with seawater from Poole Harbour, putting the
lake out of action for several days.
The problems associated with eutrophication are threatening the
recreational potential of the Lake.
The
objectives of this project were to determine the water quality of Poole
Park Lake, advise on whether the levels of nutrients and presence of
algae is harmful to human health and recommend measures to control the
algal blooms, thus reducing the need for flushing.
Water
quality analysis established that there were high nutrient
concentrations in the lake, although no algal blooms were experienced
during the sample period. Sources
of nutrients were identified. One
issue of concern is the potential threat to human health due to poor
microbial water quality. Recommendations
concerning reducing nutrient loading and controlling algal blooms are
made.
Contact
the author:
mossamber@hotmail.com
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