Use of Lake Fossil Diatom Assemblages to Determine Historical Changes in Trophic Status

Abstract

Based on the composition of surface sediment diatom assemblages of 30 lakes a classification index for lake trophic status was developed. The lakes were selected to represent a continuum ranging from oligotrophic to eutrophic lake types. A trophic index quotient was derived. The log diatom inferred trophic index (D.I.T.I.) was regressed against the trophic status of the lakes as determined by the log total phosphorus (r = 0.84) and log chlorophyll-a (r = 0.91). Multiple regression analyses showed significant correlations between log D.I.T.I. and the log percentage abundances of oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic species (r = 0.89). The abundance of the trophic indicator diatom species depends not only on total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a, but possibly on the interaction of these with other factors. Using this approach, past trophic changes were inferred for oligotrophic Barbara Lake and eutrophic Chemung Lake. The study suggested that Barbara Lake had retained its present day oligotrophic condition over the last 200 yr, whereas major trophic changes have occurred in Chemung Lake.