Evaluation of Pond Water Quality Sarah Kostick

Potential Problem  High levels of phosphorus in pond environments can cause excessive algae blooms which result in lowered dissolved oxygen levels and very green ponds (eutrophication)

Goals  Determine current levels of phosphorus and nitrates in the Prairie, Iris, Waterfall and Green Heron Ponds  Look at historical levels in the Iris and Waterfall Ponds  Determine future plan of action

Predictions  All ponds will have high levels of phosphorus  Highest levels will be in the Prairie pond

Results/Conclusion Location Phosphorus (total) ppm Nitrate ppm Nitrite (ppm) pH Iris Pond0.36< Waterfall Pond 0.32< Prairie Pond0.47< Green Heron Pond 0.28< Lake Minnewashta in 2011 was at.021 ppm (21 ppb) Critical Eutrophication Value is 0.06 ppm (60 ppb)

Recommendations  Soil samples of flower beds, gardens and turf grass near ponds should be taken  Only yard waste and ammonium composts as well as non phosphorus fertilizers should continued to be applied  More shoreline buffers should be added at the Prairie pond to prevent sediment runoff  Pond samples should be taken regularly  Phosphorus reducing, water clearing products such as Bio Boost Phosphate Cleanser available at Aquatic Biologists Inc. could be researched

Questions?

Works Cited  Aquatic Biologists, Inc. “Bio Boost Phosphate Remover” Web. bbpc/  Environmental Indicators Initiative. "Indicator Factsheet Sustaining Minnesota's Lakes: Phosphorus Concentration." (n.d.): n. pag. Print.  Metropolitan Council. "2011 Study of the Water Quality of 169 Metropolitan Area Lakes." Metropolitan Council, Web..  Miller, Dan. Assesment of Compost and Fertilization Practices at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Reviewers. Carl Rosen, Les Everett, and Mary Meyer. N.p., Web.  "Water Quality: Nutrients in Aquatic Environments: Phosphorus (indicator Status: Agreed)." (n.d.)