Factors that influence phosphorus, filamentous cyanobacteria and odor in McDaniel Lake, a southwest Missouri water supply reservoir, 1983-2002

Abstract

McDaniel Lake is a 1.12 km2 water supply reservoir subject to occasional taste and odor problems. This paper reviews data for 1983-2002, with a focus on summer, and uses regression analysis to identify predictors of lake phosphorus concentration, cyanobacteria filament concentration and odor production. Cattle were identified as the main source of excess tributary phosphorus, but lake phosphorus was significantly influenced by factors other than tributary phosphorus, including lake level, lake bottom temperature and wind. Likewise, cyanobacteria filament concentration was significantly influenced by factors other than lake phosphorus, including sunshine, air temperature and lake-bottom temperature. Odor (methylisoborneol plus geosmin) production was most strongly associated with high cyanobacteria filament counts and abundant sunshine. © Copyright by the North American Lake Management Society 2005.