Soluble phosphorus content of Lake Balaton sediments

Lake Balaton has undergone rapid eutrophication in the last decades causing dramatic deterioration in water quality. Although water quality has been successfully improved, significant algal blooms have been experienced over the past years again. Since the high level of phosphorus is primarily responsible for algal blooms, it is necessary to explore the status of the nutrient content of the lake sediment. In this study, a 100 m resolution map was created by the reanalysis of an archive database (with measured ammonium-lactate extracted phosphorus concentration) using the regression kriging method with topography, hydrodynamics and vegetation auxiliary variables. The regression model with 0.23 R-2 does not indicate a strong correlation with the auxiliary variables. However, based on the result of the validation, the accuracy of the final map after kriging was high (R-2=0.81). The reanalysis of soluble phosphorus should represent a significant input to Lake Balaton's water quality management planning.

Automated summary

Lake Balaton has experienced rapid eutrophication, leading to deteriorating water quality. Despite successful improvements, algal blooms have reemerged in recent years. This study used a reanalysis method to explore the nutrient content of lake sediment. The results suggest that analyzing soluble phosphorus is crucial for water quality management planning.