Models of phosphorus turn-over in a hypertrophic Lake: The Lake Swarzȩdzkie case study

Abstract

Phosphorus cycling between components of the ecosystem of the hypertrophic Lake Swarzȩdzkie was studied in 2000-2003. The results of this study revealed considerable seasonal variation in phosphorus cycling. The main sources of phosphorus load in winter were the tributaries, whereas in summer internal loading prevailed. However, the most effective source of SRP (soluble reactive phosphorus) for phytoplankton primary production in summer was its excretion by organisms from the microbial loop. The share of this source in the total phosphorus pool was 38%, whereas internal loading contributed 23.7%, external loading 16.3%, and regeneration by metazooplankton 22%. This exerted a significant influence on the functioning of the whole lake ecosystem. Limiting both external and internal phosphorus loading is recommended to facilitate water quality improvement in the lake.