Abstract
Results of experimental measurements and mathematical modeling demonstrate that coagulation in lakes can be sufficiently rapid and extensive to affect suspended particle concentrations and sedimenting fluxes significantly. The process dominates particle removal in Lake Zürich and substantially influences particle concentrations in the water column of Lake Sempach.Natural coagulation in lakes is a process that is strongly influenced by solution chemistry. Calcium ions act as destabilizing agents and enhance natural coagulation while dissolved natural organic matter stabilizes particles and retards coagulation. Since solution chemistry varies widely among lakes, natural coagulation rates are expected to differ among lacustrine systems. Field observations of Lakes Zürich and Sempach support this view. Although primary productivity in Lake Zürich is considerably lower than in Lake Sempach, higher sedimenting fluxes are observed in Lake Zürich. The waters of Lake Zürich are low in dissolved organic carbon, permitting rapid coagulation in the epilimnion of the lake and producing correspondingly rapid sedimentation rates. Colloidal stability can be a factor in eutrophication.
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