Comparative lake survey: Lake Huron.

Abstract

On July 15, 1998, a survey of Lake Huron was conducted from the US EPA research vessel R/V Lake Guardian. The survey was conducted with three main objectives. First, to determine the natural trophic level of the lake. Second, to gain a better understanding of the relationships between physical, chemical, and biological parameters measured. Finally, to use our understanding of the first two objectives to predict and understand the effects of anthropogenic activities in the surrounding watershed. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters of Lake Huron were measured aboard the Lake Guardian and by UMBS chemist, Mike Grant, in Lakeside Laboratory. Using this information, trophic state index was calculated for the lake. Based on our datum, we concluded that Lake Huron is an oligotrophic lake. The lake's open waters are high in dissolved oxygen and light, but low in nutrients, dissolved ions, and biological productivity. In order to maintain Lake Huron as a national freshwater resource, anthropogenic activity within the lake's watershed must be monitored and controlled.