Eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients build up in waterways such as rivers, lakes, and streams. This creates high amounts of nutrients for plants and algae. When algae blooms occur,
they deplete oxygen and create dead zones.
Excessive nutrients entering waterways can lead to eutrophication and health hazards. Three areas in Lake George were studied to determine the chlorophyll-a levels and their relationship to nitrogen and phosphorous. The study showed a positive correlation between both nutrients but a much stronger relationship to nitrogen. The study also established an analysis to determine how much run-off would need to be reduced to prevent eutrophication. Nitrogen would need to be reduced by 75% in zone 1. Zone 2 would need to be reduced by 65% and Zone 3 would need to be reduced by 25%.
Reference:
Longley KR, Huang W, Clark C, Johnson E. 2019.
Effects of nutrient load from St. Jones River on water quality and eutrophication in Lake George, Florida. Limnologica 77:125687.