May – LEA’s water testing team collected the first fluorometer profile in mid-May. At that time, Moose Pond’s middle basin was not stratified. Increasing fluorescence can be seen in the sunlit, upper waters. In the middle and deep waters, fluorescence values remained relatively uniform until the bottom where increased fluorescence values are likely caused by interference from bottom sediments.
June – In the upper waters, fluorescence values gradually increased until reaching their peak at 7 meters. In the middle and deep waters, fluorescence values remained uniform. Increased fluorescence values near the bottom are likely caused by interference from bottom sediments.
July – Warm surface waters provided algae favorable growing conditions, noted by the elevated fluorescence readings in the upper waters. Fluorescence values increased until reaching their peak at 5 meters. This is likely where the colder, denser water provided algae a place to “sit”. In the middle waters, fluorescence values rapidly decreased and then they remained uniform throughout the deep waters.
August – In the upper waters, fluorescence values gradually increased until reaching a mild peak at 4 meters. Throughout the rest of the water column fluorescence values remained fairly uniform and low.
September – The fluorescent profile was similar to the previous month. In the upper waters, fluorescence values gradually increased until reaching a mild peak again at 4 meters. Throughout the rest of the water column fluorescence values remained fairly uniform and low.
Synopsis: With the exception of a moderate-level fluorescent peak in July, algae concentrations were fairly low throughout the season. Growing conditions were most favorable for algae between 4 and 7 meters deep. High readings in the bottom waters were likely caused by sediment interference.
Gloeotrichia echinulata (a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) commonly found in low-nutrient waters) can be seen with the naked eye. Gloeo density is reported as a value ranging from 0 – 6, based on the number of Gloeo colonies seen through a Secchi scope. Higher values indicate more Gloeo colonies. The middle basin’s Gloeotrichia echenulata density ranged from 0 through 5, with the highest density occurring in mid-August.
