Chemical Composition Of Surficial Sediment In Geneva Lake Wisconsin PDF Download

To trace the effects of cultural eutrophication, one meter sediment cores were used to determine the history of calcareous and noncalcareous Wisconsin lakes. Cores were analyzed for carbon, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, aluminum, iron, and manganese. Determinations of organic nitrogen, exchangeable ammonium and acid soluble phosphorus were made on selected sedimentary profiles. Recent sedimentation rates and identification of pre- and postcultural sediments were determined by ragweed pollen. Enrichment of phosphorus in postcultural Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, sediments are the effect of increased phosphorus supply from domestic sewage. Chemical stratigraphy of concentration-depth diagrams permit a qualitative evaluation of cultural activities. Potentialities and limitations of using recent lake sediments to evaluate eutrophication are discussed.