PHYTOPLANKTON-NUTRIENT RELATIONSHIPS IN SOUTH CAROLINA RESERVOIRS: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

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Abstract
Using existing data selected from a large government data base, an analysis of the factors governing algal standing crop in 40 South Carolina reservoirs revealed that chlorophyll a production was considerably lower than that reported for northern temperate lakes. This observation was attributed to the high levels of nonalgal turbidity frequently exhibited by the study reservoirs. The accuracy of eight literature models in predicting chlorophyll was examined and most were found to overestimate actual ambient values. To account for the various moderating factors affecting chlorophyll production in turbid reservoirs, the use of multivariate models is suggested. The results of this study indicate that local conditions should be taken into account when selecting a predictive model for management purposes. One feasible option for government agencies is to develop predictive models using readily available data.