Aquatic Macrophytes in White Lake, Michigan

Abstract

Samples of plants were analyzed for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The findings reveal that the areal extent of the macrophytes approaches one-fifth of the lake total surface area and the macrophyte biomass is equal in magnitude to the phytoplankton. The White Lake macrophyte community does not appear to be limited by phosphorus or nitrogen, and is probably restricted only by light and space requirements. The significance of the macrophyte nutrient content seems to be minor in comparison with other components of the lake nutrient content. However, the macrophyte nutrients are important when compared with stream nutrient loads. If White Lake water quality improves as a consequence of the recently initiated wastewater diversion program the macrophyte problem could become greater. Increased water clarity would increase the areal extent and possibly the density of the macrophyte community.