Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms and Phytoplankton Nutrient Limitation in a Pair of Hypereutrophic Reservoirs in the Red Cedar River Watershed

Abstract

Eutrophication caused by nutrient pollution results in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms which produce toxins and harm water quality. Western Wisconsin's long history of agriculture and naturally abundant phosphate in the soil led to an excess of nutrients in lakes and associated algae blooms (Fig. 1, A River Runs Through Us). Limiting nutrients are in lower supply than demanded by primary producers and watershed management for phosphorus should promote phosphorus limitation in lake phytoplankton.