Environmental ScienceBiology

A trophic state index for lakes1

R. Carlson

1977.3.1LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY

DOI: 10.4319/lo.1977.22.2.0361

tlooto Summary

A numerical trophic state index for lakes has been developed that incorporates most lakes in a scale of 0 to 100, which represents a doubling in algal biomass as well as various measures of biomass or production.

Abstract

A numerical trophic state index for lakes has been developed that incorporates most lakes in a scale of 0 to 100. Each major division (10, 20, 30, etc.) represents a doubling in algal biomass. The index number can be calculated from any of several parameters, including Secchi disk transparency, chlorophyll, and total phosphorus.

Citation format

CARLSON, R. A trophic state index for lakes1. LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY, 1977, 22: 361–369.