Ben Lakish (MS) (Right) bcl016@mizzou.edu 884-8530

EUTROPHICATION OF AN OKLAHOMA RESERVOIR

Advisor: Dr. John R. Jones

Fort Cobb Reservoir is a 4100 acre, shallow, well mixed reservoir in southwestern Oklahoma. It is managed for recreation, flood control, wildlife habitat, and municipal water supply. Many limnological parameters for Fort Cobb Reservoir have been measured bimonthly since spring 2000. The reservoir appears hyper-eutrophic and limited by light and nitrogen during the growing season. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms are probably due to light and nitrogen limitation, and some evidence of occurrence has been gathered. Concentrations of Coliform bacteria have exceeded the standards for whole body contact, especially in winter months when large flocks of water birds use the reservoir. Calculations of nutrient loading rates and comparisons to regional patterns of productivity are underway. Future efforts will focus on nutrient inflow and cycling within the reservoir, and predicting peaks of bacteria and cyanobacteria.