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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
10:49
Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading
Published on: March 6, 2014
Stream phosphorus transport in the Lake Tahoe basin, 1989-1996
L K Hatch1, J E Reuter, C R Goldman
1Univ. of Minn. Water Resources Center, St. Paul, USA. hatch013@tc.umn.edu
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Lake Tahoe
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Limnology
- Water Quality Management
Background:
- Lake Tahoe is experiencing cultural eutrophication, shifting from nitrogen to phosphorus limitation.
- Atmospheric nitrogen (N) loading is a primary driver, increasing the importance of controlling watershed phosphorus (P) inputs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze spatiotemporal variations in phosphorus (P) delivery to Lake Tahoe.
- To identify key watershed parameters influencing P transport.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of stream water quality data from the Lake Tahoe Interagency Monitoring Program (LTIMP).
- Characterization of phosphorus (P) concentrations, loads, and forms (particulate P).
- Correlation of P delivery with watershed characteristics (geology, development, precipitation).
Main Results:
- Phosphorus (P) delivery exhibits significant interannual, seasonal, and spatial variability.
- Particulate phosphorus (P), linked to suspended sediment and surficial geology, is the dominant form transported.
- Spring snowmelt is the primary period for P loading (75% of annual average).
- Human development impacts on P loads are most significant during high precipitation years.
Conclusions:
- Controlling watershed P sources, particularly sediment-bound P, is crucial for mitigating eutrophication.
- Watershed restoration efforts must identify and quantify P sources like streambanks and impervious surfaces.
- Management strategies should consider precipitation variability and human development impacts on P delivery.
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