A limnological survey of Lake Laura, Virginia

A limnological survey of Lake Laura and its tributary streams was conducted from June to October 1986 to evaluate causes of excessive algal blooms experienced in past years.

Lake Laura was classified as mesotrophic based upon total phosphorus surface water, chlorophyll g, and secchi disc levels measured. Due to atypical meteorological conditions experienced during the study, the Vollenwieder model was utilized to evaluate the impact of various nutrient sources on Lake Laura under more typical conditions. Nonpoint source runoff from agricultural and pasture land and effluent from the Orkney Springs waste water treatment plant were determined to be the main sources of nutrient inputs to Lake Laura.

A description of lake and drainage basin monitoring methods, model results, and an analysis of recommended lake management practices to control future algal blooms is included.