Using hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen depletion rates for monitoring lakes

Abstract

Volumetic hypolimnetic oxygen depletion, caused primarily by the decomposition of organic material in the hypolimnion (VHDR org ), is considered to be an important indicator of the trophic state of lakes and is used to detect change of trophic state. The observed volumetric hypolimnetic depletion rate (VHDR obs ) is usually different from VHDR org because of phenomena which can alter the concentrations of oxygen in the hypolimnion. The nine different phenomena which can affect the rate at which the observed hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen depletes are reviewed. In many instances, if the limnology of the system is understood, the perturbations to the hypolimnetic respiration rate, VHDR org caused by these phenomena can be ignored and VHDR obs used for lake management. Guidance is provided as to when the effects of these phenomena can be ignored and when they cannot be. Should corrections be necessary, methods for calculating the effects of physical perturbations are outlined. However, most of the effects caused by biological perturbations from changes in algal species cannot be eliminated, except for those caused by hypolimnetic production.

Under‐ice metabolism in a shallow lake in a cold and arid climate

“…This agrees with the results of several previous studies (e.g. Apple et al, 2006;Burns, 1995;Leppi, Arp, & Whitman, 2016;Pace & Prairie, 2005;Wissel, Quiñones-Rivera, & Fry, 2008) suggesting that radiation also controls respiration indirectly through primary production. In addition, low DO concentration close to the sediment may explain P release F I G U R E 6 Gross primary production (GPP; black dots), ecosystem respiration (R; white dots) and net ecosystem production (NEP; small dots) in Wuliangsuhai in January-March 2017 F I G U R E 7 Daily gross primary production (GPP) relative to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) under the ice between 16 February and 10 March 2017 from the sediment observed by Zhao et al (2017) in WL.…”

“…This agrees with the results of several previous studies (e.g. Apple et al., ; Burns, ; Leppi, Arp, & Whitman, ; Pace & Prairie, ; Wissel, Quiñones‐Rivera, & Fry, ) suggesting that radiation also controls respiration indirectly through primary production. In addition, low DO concentration close to the sediment may explain P release from the sediment observed by Zhao et al.…”

Comparing past and present trophic states of seven Central Volcanic Plateau lakes, New Zealand

“…Hypolimnetic oxygen depletion rate calculations were not possible (Burns 1995b) because McColPs (pers. comm.)…”

The oxygen budget of two closed, dimictic lakes in the vicinity of Bytów (West Pomeranian Lake District, northern Poland)

“…Fortunately, dissolved oxygen is easy to measure. For this reason, oxygen content in the water is widely used as an indicator of the ecological state or 'health' of water bodies, and is informative not only to hydrobiologists, but also to a wide audience of non-specialists (Kudelska et al 1994, Burns 1995, Hondzo and Stefan 1996.…”