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(continued from previous) Limnological characteristics of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri III: seasonal patterns in nutrients, chlorophyll and algal bioassays. 2000. B. D. Perkins and J.R. Jones. Data collected throughout 1989-1991 and 1993 were examined to determine seasonal trends in water quality. While all sites were monitored, only data from two main lake channel sites (dam and 18 mile marker) were reviewed in the article. Phosphorus, nitrogen, and inorganic suspended sediment displayed patterns of higher than average values April–June, decreasing concentrations through August, with increasing levels in the fall. The spring peak is associated with elevated inflows into the lake, while increases in fall were related to lake turnover. Decreasing nutrient and suspended sediment concentrations during summer occurred due to reduced inflow (generally) and the sedimentation of suspended materials (both inorganic and organic). Algal chlorophyll concentrations peaked in March and steadily decreased through spring and summer, with no fall peak. Results from in-lake experiments determined that factors limiting algal growth in LOTO change over the course of the year. Limiting factors were phosphorus during spring, nitrogen during summer, and light in fall and early winter. Past, Present and Future One thing that is not in dispute about water quality in Lake of the Ozarks is its variability. These past studies, along with current LMVP monitoring, indicate that water quality (1) changes dramatically across the main channel, (2) varies among tributary arms, (3) differs from one year to the next, and (4) fluctuates within individual seasons. The variable nature of water quality in LOTO can be attributed not only to the vast size of the lake, but also to the influence of its immense watershed. Inputs of nutrients and suspended sediment differ as nonpoint and point sources of pollution vary across the landscape, with rainfall intensity and timing determining the impact. Differences in the timing and quantity of flow from Truman Reservoir also add to the variable nature of water quality in LOTO. Because the factors that influence water quality are many and their interactions complex, attempts to summarize water quality in LOTO require a large amount of data from numerous sites over several years. Continued monitoring by citizen volunteers will aid in evaluating differences in water quality across the lake, identifying trends in water quality over time, and assessing lake function (e.g. how water quality parameters relate to each other). Additional publications are planned to summarize this long-term data set. All three documents are available for download
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