The Effects of Mechanical Harvesting of Floating Plant Tussock Communities on Water Quality in Lake Istokpoga, Florida

The effects of harvesting floating plant tussock communities by mechanical methods on selected water quality parameters in Lake Istokpoga, Florida were examined. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, chlorophyll a, and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) were compared under pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest conditions. Water quality data were compared between one tussock harvest site and three reference sites (30 m, 61 m, and 91 m away from the harvested plot). Very minor, although statistically detectable (p < 0.05), DO differences occurred at harvest site. Chlorophyll a, total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations decreased significantly during the harvest. Loadings of total nitrogen concentrations in Lake Istokpoga could be reduced by harvesting of floating plant communities in the littoral areas. A significant increase in turbidity and dissolved solids occurred during mechanical harvesting in both the harvested plot and the reference site 30 m away.