Factors affecting clarity of New Zealand lakes

Abstract

Average values of inherent optical properties for the 400–700 nm waveband were estimated from quantum irradiance measurements on 27 New Zealand lakes of diverse optical character, using published nomograms. Secchi disc depths, turbidity, algal pigment, non‐volatile suspended solids, and absorption by membrane‐filtered samples at 440 nm (g 440 ) were also measured. Turbidity (NTU) correlated closely with the scattering coefficient (m^‐1) and these quantities were almost numerically equal, as found in other studies. The data were found to conform to an expression in the oceanographic literature relating Secchi disc depth to the beam attenuation and diffuse attenuation coefficients. Specific beam attenuation, scattering, and absorption coefficients were estimated from the coefficients of linear multiple regressions of the measured total coefficients on the variables: total pigment (chlorophyll a + phaeopigment), non‐volatile suspended solids, and g 440. The estimated values were in reasonable agreement with similar specific coefficients reported in the oceanographic literature. The coefficients provide a basis for predicting clarity in new impoundments or for predicting the effects of loading changes (e.g., of nutrients) on the clarity of existing lakes. The coefficients can be used for classifying lake waters into different optical types.