A Case Study at Mud Lake : The Influence of Phosphorus Loading Through Lacustrine Groundwater Discharge on Eutrophication Events in a Stratified Flow-Through Lake in Western Wisconsin

Abstract

Phosphorus (P)-laden runoff has been associated with lake eutrophication throughout the upper Midwest United States. Although P has been considered immobile in groundwater systems, an ongoing investigation at UW-Eau Claire suggests P is highly mobile and present in large quantities in the groundwater system. The potential impact of P in groundwater contributing to lake eutrophication has implications on land-use practice and healthy lake management. This study seeks to quantify P loading through groundwater discharge in Mud Lake in Barron County, WI.