Nutrient limitation in a southwestern desert reservoir: Eutrophication of Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead, Nevada

Authors

Davine M. Lieberman

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1995

Publication Title

Journal of Freshwater Ecology

Volume

10

Issue

3

First page number:

241

Last page number:

253

Abstract

Algal bioassay tests were conducted with Selenastrum capricornutum and natural algae on inner Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead, Nevada, from December 1992 through September 1993, to identify any nutrient limitation in an area of the reservoir that has experienced problems associated with severe nutrient enrichment. Three areas were sampled based on a gradient of water quality conditions that existed in Las Vegas Bay (LVB). Disodium ethylenedinitrilotetraacetate (EDTA) significantly stimulated algal growth compared to non-EDTA treatment. Algal bioassays indicated that phosphorus (P) was the primary limiting nutrient at all stations for most of the test dates. Chl a response with EDTA + phosphorus (EDTA+P) was significantly greater (p<0.05) than the control response. These tests suggest that continued P enrichment of lower LVB may well result in increased algal productivity.

Keywords

Algae; Ammonia; Bacteria; Chlorophyll; Lake Mead (Ariz. and Nev.); Las Vegas Bay (Nev.); Limnology; Plankton; Phosphorus; Salinity; Water quality

Disciplines

Biochemistry | Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Fresh Water Studies | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Sustainability | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology

Language

English

Repository Citation

Lieberman, D. M. (1995). Nutrient limitation in a southwestern desert reservoir: Eutrophication of Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead, Nevada. Journal of Freshwater Ecology, 10(3), 241-253.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/water_pubs/29