Restoration of eutrophied shallow softwater lakes based upon carbon and phosphorus limitation

Published source details Roelofs J.G.M. (1996) Restoration of eutrophied shallow softwater lakes based upon carbon and phosphorus limitation. Aquatic Ecology, 30, 197-202.
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Summary

Action: Remove sediment

A before-and-after study in 1976–1995 of a shallow lake in the Netherlands (Roelofs 1996) reported that after removing nutrient-rich sediments (and reducing inputs of calcareous, nutrient-rich water), macrophytes typical of low-nutrient conditions became more abundant and total species richness increased. Over ten years before intervention (1976–1985), the lake contained 17 aquatic macrophyte species. The most abundant species was bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus (data reported as abundance categories). Isoetids, which prefer nutrient-poor habitats, were rare or scattered. Over ten years after intervention (1986–1995), the lake contained 25 aquatic macrophyte species. The most abundant species were isoetids, especially shoreweed Littorella uniflora. Methods: In 1986, nutrient levels and pH in Lake Beuven (70 ha; depth ≤1.5 m) were reduced by removing nutrient-rich mud and reducing inputs of nutrient-rich, calcareous water. The study does not distinguish between the effects of these interventions.

Action: Divert/block/stop polluted water inputs

A before-and-after study in 1976–1995 of a shallow, freshwater lake in the Netherlands (Roelofs 1996) reported that after reducing inputs of calcareous, nutrient-rich water (and removing nutrient-rich sediments), macrophytes typical of low-nutrient conditions became more abundant and total species richness increased. Over ten years before intervention (1976–1985), the lake contained 17 aquatic macrophyte species. The most abundant species was bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus (data reported as abundance categories). Isoetids, which prefer nutrient-poor habitats, were rare or scattered. Over ten years after intervention (1986–1995), the lake contained 25 aquatic macrophyte species. The most abundant species were isoetids, especially shoreweed Littorella uniflora. Methods: In 1986, nutrient levels and pH in Lake Beuven (70 ha; depth ≤1.5 m) were reduced by reducing inputs of nutrient-rich, calcareous water (by managing the stream flowing into the lake) and removing nutrient-rich mud. The study does not distinguish between the effects of these interventions.