The Eutrophication of Lake Okeechobee

ABSTRACT Average annual total phosphorus concentrations in Lake Okeechobee increased from 0.049 mg/L in 1973 to 0.098 mg/L in 1984. The increases in total phosphorus concentrations were not correlated to external phosphorus inputs, but to changes in lake water levels. It is proposed that the flooding of marshes and exposed lake bottom primarily caused increased total phosphorus concentrations, but that the resuspension of bottom sediments by wind action may also be a major factor influencing in-lake total phosphorus concentrations. Reducing phosphorus inputs by 40 percent as proposed by the Lake Okeechobee Technical Advisory Committee (LOTAC) will not significantly improve water quality in Lake Okeechobee. Average total phosphorus concentrations will not decline significantly. Chlorophyll a concentrations and Secchi transparencies are not correlated to total phosphorus concentrations so massive expenditures of public funds to reduce nutrient inputs will not protect long-term water quality at Lake Okeechobee.

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