Effect of coolwater retention on cyanobacterial growth in the Ouderkerkerplas, a comparison with stratified lakes in the west of The Netherlands

Abstract

The Ouderkerkerplas in The Netherlands is used as a source of cooling water. This industry influences the phosphate stratification in the lake. Higher phosphate concentrations in the upper layer of the lake can enhance cyanobacterial blooms. This effect can be harmful for recreative swimmers. This study compares the trend in cyanobacterial concentrations in the Ouderkerkerplas to those in other lakes in the west of The Netherlands. This comparison provides insight in whether the observed trends are local or regional.