Title:

G02-NPS-08 Table Rock Lake - James Rvr - Algae Study

Sponsor:

Southwest Missouri State University/Havel

Project Manager:

Dr. John Havel
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65804-0089
417-836-5308
JEH694f@smsu.edu

Project Period:

1/1/2002 - 6/30/2004

319 Grant Funds:

$41,102

Project Description:

Spatial Distribution and Dynamics of Algae Blooms in Table Rock Lake, James River Arm
(JRZOO)

Over the past 10 years, Table Rock Lake has exhibited the early signs of deteriorating water quality. Water clarity has been reduced, while total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a measurements have increased. Other studies of Table Rock Lake focus on water chemistry, and may miss some key characteristics of algae blooms. Algae blooms can significantly reduce water clarity and create unsightly floating masses. Some nuisance algal species can create taste and odor problems. Therefore, the composition of algae blooms is important in explaining their effects on aquatic animals and water quality for human uses. Zooplankton are the principal grazers of algae. During periods of high abundance of zooplankton, water has a high clarity. By monitoring the plankton in the James River Arm of Table Rock Lake, we can establish frequency and duration of blooms, relation between blooms and clarity and presence of nuisance species

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This study will focus on the composition and abundance of algae and their correspondence with water quality problems. Inclusion of the zooplankton will allow study of the top-down (food web) controls on algal abundance (Lampert and Sommer 1997).


OBJECTIVES

1. To monitor phytoplankton composition and abundance over time and between two sites (up-lake and down-lake) on Table Rock Lake, James River arm (TRL-JR).
2. To monitor zooplankton composition and abundance over time and between two sites (up-lake and down-lake) on TRL-JR.
3. To monitor transparency over time among seven sites (gradient up-lake to down-lake) on TRL-JR.


PRODUCTS

A QAPP been developed for this project. A final written report which includes water quality data collected on the James River arm of Table Rock Lake will be submitted upon completion of the project.

PROJECT SPONSOR

Southwest Missouri State University

COOPERATING AGENCIES

EPA/DNR

CONTACT

Southwest Missouri State University
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65804-0089
Dr. John Havel
telephone: 417-836-5308