Phosphorus and the eutrophication of lakes--a personal view

Abstract

The availability and abundance of biologically-active forms of phosphorus in natural waters are briefly reviewed in relation to the requirements, growth and development of algal populations. The consequences of artificial enrichment of lakes with agricultural, domestic and industrial effluents ('eutrophication') attributed to increased phosphorus loading are compared with evidence from a selection of natural lakes and experimental systems in the UK. The suggestion is made that increased loadings on richer lakes make relatively less impact than does mild eutrophication of unproductive waters. Within limits the effects of eutrophication are reversible.