May – LEA’s water testing team collected the first fluorometer profile in late May. At that time, Woods Pond was not stratified. In the upper waters, fluorescence values increased until reaching their peak at 2 meters where plenty of sunlight was available for photosynthesis. In the deep waters, fluorescence values remained fairly uniform. Increased fluorescence values near the bottom are likely caused by interference from bottom sediments.
June – In the upper waters, fluorescence values gradually increased until reaching their peak at 4 meters. In the deeper waters, fluorescence values decreased with depth. Increased fluorescence values near the bottom are again likely caused by interference from bottom sediments.
July – Overall fluorescence values remained low but gradually increased until reaching a slight peak at 2 meters and then decreased with depth.
August – Warm surface waters provided algae favorable growing conditions, noted by the slightly elevated fluorescence readings in the upper waters. Below 4 meters, fluorescence values steadily decreased until the bottom where increased fluorescence values are likely caused by interference from bottom sediments.
September – In the upper waters, fluorescence values gradually increased until reaching a peak at 2 meters. This fluorescence increase occurred near the thermocline where the rapidly changing water density may have provided algae a place to “sit”. In the deeper waters, fluorescence gradually decreased with depth.
Synopsis: Algae concentrations were low to moderate throughout season. Peak algae growth was seen near the surface between 1 and 4 meters in depth with May and September being the most productive months. 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. Gloeotrichia echenulata colonies were not observed in Woods Pond in 2023.
