Effects of lake liming on phytoplankton production in acidic Adirondack lakes

Abstract

Phytoplankton community characteristics were monitored prior to and following CaCO₃ addition to two small, highly acidic lakes (Cranberry Pond and Woods Lake) and one larger, less acidic lake (L. Simon Pond). Data were also collected from a control site (Dart's Lake) exhibiting chemical characteristics similar to the pretreatment conditions observed at the experimental sites. In the two small, most acidic lakes, base addition was associated with higher chlorophyll levels during the first summer following treatment. Woods Lake was maintained at a circumneutral pH for 3 yr and exhibited increased phytoplankton abundance throughout the posttreatment period. In contrast, Cranberry Pond reacidified within 1 yr following based addition. Reacidification was accomplished by a decrease in lake chlorophyll levels to pre-treatment levels. At the larger, less acidic lake (L. Simon Pond), liming was associated with lower chlorophyll levels during the first summer after treatment. Reductions in chlorophyll levels at L. Simon Pond reflect the absence of the spring phytoplankton peak and a decrease in phytoplankton growth below the depth of the thermocline. At Cranberry Pond, annual differences in phytoplankton production did not correspond to changes in lake acidity and phytoplankton abundance. Productivity in Woods Lake exhibited an increasing trend during the 3 yr following treatment. Interpretation of treatment effects on productivity was confounded by high between-year variability at the control site.