The Difference in Amount and Type of Periphyton Diatoms Between a South and East Site of Little Bitterroot Lake of Marion, Montana

This study gathered baseline data and compared water quality at two sites on Little Bitterroot Lake in northwestern Montana. Artificial substrates were placed on two bays of the lake and were sampled from September 12, 1999, until November 26, 1999. I determined the biomass of periphyton diatoms collected every few weeks as well as the relative number of Cymbella diatoms in that biomass. More Cymbella were collected from East Bay where more year-round homes are located. Water quality tests (including temperature, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphates, nitrates, E. coli, and turbidity) revealed a low level of phosphates and nitrates (nutrients). Sampling will continue this spring to determine seasonal variations in periphyton and water quality parameters