Final report on interrelationships between chemical, physical and biological conditions of the waters of Las Vegas Bay of Lake Mead

Authors

James E. Deacon, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Richard W. Tew, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

1973

Abstract

This program was a status study of the interaction between Las Vegas Wash, an enriched stream, and Las Vegas Bay, a wedge shaped arm of one of the world's deeper reservoirs. The program centered primarily on identification and counting of planktonic algae from several points in Las Vegas Bay. Additional work on nutrient enrichment of water samples was conducted to aid in interpretation of algal distribution related to nutrient input. Examination of a variety of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, both at many surface points in the bay, as well as in vertical profile, was also accomplished and further aided interpretation of nutrient cycling, sources of nutrient input and other limnological events commonly associated with the process of eutrophication. One copy of data is provided as an appendix to this report. Other copies are available on request.

An intensive sampling program has been the core of the project. Fifteen stations were located to provide an "early warning" network for detection of directed movement of water bodies or strata in the bay, reliability in evaluation of surface plankton distributions, and reference points for exploitation of unanticipated opportunities. These stations were visited approximately weekly during the contract period for plankton samples to evaluate biologically-induced or biologically - responsive changes as cumulative indices of the chemical status of the system. Evaluation of results was aided by determinations of depth profiles of the standard limnological parameters: temperature, a measure of the degree of stratification or mixing of a lake, oxygen, pH and oxidation-reduction potential. Conductivity, to identify isothermal yet saline discontinuities and especially the location of the flow from Las Vegas Wash, was also measured.

Colonies or unicellular plankton were counted to determine distribution versus time over the bay surface. Distribution and density, rather than productivity, was of primary interest; although evidence for growth or accumulation at given points was also obtained.

Chemical analyses for principal anions and cations (such as sulfate, chloride, sodium and potassium) and major nutrients (such as phosphate) were performed in cooperation with Desert Research Institute and Environmental Protection Agency. Counts of total and coliform bacteria were made on samples from vertical profiles at various times to establish the reason for the pattern of oxygen depletion found.

Keywords

Limnology; Marine biology; Nevada--Las Vegas Wash; United States--Lake Mead; Water balance (Hydrology); Water chemistry

Disciplines

Biochemistry | Biology | Desert Ecology | Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Monitoring | Fresh Water Studies | Sustainability | Water Resource Management

Language

English

Repository Citation

Deacon, J. E., Tew, R. W. (1973). Final report on interrelationships between chemical, physical and biological conditions of the waters of Las Vegas Bay of Lake Mead.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/water_pubs/117