Evaluation of Pond Water QualitySarah Kostick

Potential Problem

High levels of phosphorus in pond environments can cause excessive algae blooms which result in lowered dissolved oxygen levels and very green ponds (eutrophication)

Goals

Determine current levels of phosphorus and nitrates in the Prairie, Iris, Waterfall and Green Heron Ponds

Look at historical levels in the Iris and Waterfall Ponds

Determine future plan of action

Predictions

All ponds will have high levels of phosphorus

Highest levels will be in the Prairie pond

Results/Conclusion

Location Phosphorus (total) ppm

Nitrate ppm

Nitrite

(ppm)

pH

Iris Pond 0.36 <0.02 <0.02 7.363

Waterfall Pond

0.32 <0.02 <0.02 8.34

Prairie Pond 0.47 <0.02 <0.02 6.525

Green Heron Pond

0.28 <0.02 <0.02 7.807

Lake Minnewashta in 2011 was at .021 ppm (21 ppb)Critical Eutrophication Value is 0.06 ppm (60 ppb)

Recommendations

Soil samples of flower beds, gardens and turf grass near ponds should be taken

Only yard waste and ammonium composts as well as non phosphorus fertilizers should continued to be applied

More shoreline buffers should be added at the Prairie pond to prevent sediment runoff

Pond samples should be taken regularly Phosphorus reducing, water clearing products

such as Bio Boost Phosphate Cleanser available at Aquatic Biologists Inc. could be researched

Questions?

Works Cited

Aquatic Biologists, Inc. “Bio Boost Phosphate Remover”. 2013. Web. http://store.aquaticbiologists.com/bio-boost-phosphate-cleanser-bbpc/

Environmental Indicators Initiative. "Indicator Factsheet Sustaining Minnesota's Lakes: Phosphorus Concentration." (n.d.): n. pag. Print.

Metropolitan Council. "2011 Study of the Water Quality of 169 Metropolitan Area Lakes." Metropolitan Council, 2011. Web. <http://www.metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water/Publications-And-Resources/2011-Study-of-the-Water-Quality-of-169-Metropolita.aspx>.

Miller, Dan. Assesment of Compost and Fertilization Practices at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Reviewers. Carl Rosen, Les Everett, and Mary Meyer. N.p., 2008. Web.

"Water Quality: Nutrients in Aquatic Environments: Phosphorus (indicator Status: Agreed)." (n.d.)