Limnological Features of Soma Northwestern Florida Lakes

A limnological survey of 9 lakes located in the sandhills of northwestern Florida was conducted to determine general physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Lake mean depth ranged from 6.3 to 27 m. Secchi disc values ranged from 3.2 to 8.1 m. Thermal stratification occurred in all lakes. Chemically, the lakes can be characterized as acidic, soft-water lakes of low mineral content. Average total phosphorus values ranged from 3.1 to 10 mg/m3, and average chlorophyll a values ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 mg/m3. These lakes are among the most oligotrophic lakes in Florida.