Discover the latest research and practical solutions from UF/IFAS experts. These are the new EDIS/Ask IFAS documents from the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences during May and June. Stay informed and inspired with our updates!
Trophic State: A Useful Scale for Classifying Lakes Based on Biological Productivity
By Elizabeth Duermit Moreau
Lakes come in all shapes and sizes, but the Trophic State Classification System can sort them out. It allows people to group waterbodies into one of four categories. Scientists determine trophic state based on lakes’ levels of biological productivity. Learn these terms to understand how your lake compares to others and what changes in its water quality mean. Learn to use water chemistry to determine lake health; what criteria define the four trophic states; which trophic state category your waterbody fits into; and how to use the Trophic State Classification System.
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