A trophic state index for lakes1

A numerical trophic state index for lakes has been developed that incorporates most lakes in a scale of 0 to 100. Each major division ( 10, 20, 30, etc. ) represents a doubling in algal biomass. The index number can bc calculated from any of several parameters, including Secchi disk transparency, chlorophyll, and total phosphorus. My purpose here is to present a new approach to the trophic classification of lakes. This new approach was developed because of frustration in communicating to the public both the current nature or status of lakes and their future condition after restoration when the traditional trophic classification system is used. The system presented hcrc, termed a trophic state index (TSI), involves new methods both of defining trophic status and of determining that status in lakes. All trophic classification is based on the division of the trophic continuum, howcvcr this is defined, into a series of classes termed trophic states. Traditional systems divide the continuum into three classes: oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and cutrophic. There is often no clear delineation of these divisions. Determinations of trophic state are made from examination of several diverse criteria, such as shape of the oxygen curve, species composition of the bottom fauna or of the phytoplankton, conccntrations of nutrients, and various measures of biomass or production. Although each changes from oligotrophy to eutrophy, the changes do not occur at sharply defined places, nor do they all occur at the same place or at the same rate. Some lakes may be considered oligotrophic by one criterion and eutrophic by another; this problem is