Trophic Status of Selected Northern New Mexico Lakes

A characterization of the algae, the bacteria, and the chemical and limnological conditions in Fenton Lake, Hopewell Lake, Lagunitas Lakes, and Eagle Nest Lake were conducted to determine the trophic status of these northern New Mexico lakes. This investigation was initiated because algal blooms have been reported to occur regularly during the summer months on these lakes and these lakes represented different physical and biological environments. While the blooms on these lakes have not been regarded as serious problems, it was deemed important to obtain data on the present trophic status of these lakes so that the impact of increased human activity may be evaluated in the future.

In this study, special attention was given to conditions preceeding the algal blooms and to the biological and chemical characteristics of the bloom. The algal studies included primary productivity measurements, species identification, and species enumeration. An examination of the dissolved and suspended nutrients was employed to determine the contribution of nitrogen and phosphorus to production of blooms in each lake. A comparison of the abundance of microorganisms and physiological type of planktonic bacteria to algal populations was determined to evaluate tile contribution of microorganisms, especially bacteria, to algal blooms. Assessment of trophic status is based on primary productivity, nutrient levels, and the predominant phytoplankton genera.

Project A-053-NMEX