Lake Functioning

This book explores the interconnections of internal phosphorus loading, cyanobacteria, and climate change and their role in determining water quality in freshwater.

It explains the sometimes elusive process of internal phosphorus loading with its chemical and biological roots. A primer in cyanobacteria ("blue-greens") provides the background to investigate connections and causal relationships. Reviewing recent observations on present and future climate change, the book explores its effects on lake functioning. Quantitative and theoretical evidence support the hypothesis that a major contributing factor to the recent increase in cyanobacteria bloom expansion and frequency is the initiation and persistence of internal phosphorus loading as intensified by climate change. The abatement and prevention of cyanobacteria proliferation thus include techniques that deal with internal P loading as offered in the final chapter.

Some key topics covered are:

• In-depth exploration of internal phosphorus loading and its quantification in global lakes with diverse morphometry, hydrology, geochemistry, and degree of eutrophication.
• Description and evaluation of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin distribution and proliferation.
• Determination of climate change effects on physical, chemical, and cyanobacteria-related variables in tables based on more than 100 reviewed journal articles.
• Evidence for the enhancing influences of climate change on internal phosphorus load and cyanobacteria, and of internal load on cyanobacteria.

This book will be of interest to limnologists, environmental and engineering professionals, and natural science students. It will also be an interesting read to government agents, lake managers, and others interested in maintaining lake water quality and understanding algal blooms.