Nutrient limitation in a southwestern desert reservoir: Eutrophication of Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead, Nevada

Algal bioassay tests were conducted with Selenastrum capricornutum and natural algae on inner Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead, Nevada, from December 1992 through September 1993, to identify any nutrient limitation in an area of the reservoir that has experienced problems associated with severe nutrient enrichment. Three areas were sampled based on a gradient of water quality conditions that existed in Las Vegas Bay (LVB). Disodium ethylenedinitrilotetraacetate (EDTA) significantly stimulated algal growth compared to non-EDTA treatment. Algal bioassays indicated that phosphorus (P) was the primary limiting nutrient at all stations for most of the test dates. Chl a response with EDTA + phosphorus (EDTA+P) was significantly greater (p\u3c0.05) than the control response. These tests suggest that continued P enrichment of lower LVB may well result in increased algal productivity