Input of Particulate Inorganic Phosphate (PIP) in Lake Müggelsee and Its Ecological Importance for Algal Primary Production

The import of particulate inorganic phosphate (PIP) by the river Spree into lake Müggelsee was analysed in 1986 and 1987. It amounts to 18% of total phosphate import. Most of the PIP fraction is bonded to iron and characterized by a strong chemical instability. It was shown by bioassays with lake phytoplankton that PIP is a potential nutrient for algal growth. But up to now the PIP import into lake Müggelsee plays a negligible role as a nutrient source for primary production. Nevertheless, it has to be considered in further strategies of lake restoration as a factor promoting eutrophication.