Lake Ecosystem Energetics: The Missing Management Link

Abstract

ABSTRACT Phosphorus plays a central role in the bioenergetics of organisms and ecosystems (recall Adenosine Triphosphate [ATP], substrate level phosphorylation, cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation). It is a role which no other atom can duplicate. Phosphorus is of paramount importance in lake management because it most often limits the degree of phytoplanktonic autotrophy (algae growth). However, many other aspects of lake ecosystem structure and function offer substantial promise for the future of lake management and restoration. One such aspect, ecosystem energetics, is too often neglected or misunderstood by the lake manager. There are fundamental differences between autotrophication and allotrophication, trophic and detrital dynamic structures, eutrophication and lake succession, and how these ecosystem components and processes can be effectively managed. An understanding of the nitrogen, sulfur, iron, and phosphorus cycles of lakes yields insight into new restoration technologies (e.g., alum sur...