The significance of this project lies in harnessing the power of high-frequency, time-series observatory data to describe the patterns of processes occurring in Muskegon Lake. Muskegon Lake is an ideal location for a study on lake eutrophication, as it connects the second largest watershed in Michigan to the Great Lakes system and has the potential to locally influence Lake Michigan coastal waters including drinking water sources. Muskegon Lake is a dynamic estuarine ecosystem and can be used as an analog to other Great Lakes estuaries. Findings from Muskegon Lake may potentially be used to better understand and address issues in Green Bay, Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie, which suffers similar anthropogenic impacts.
The first part of this study will analyze the time-series data collected by the MLO to observe patterns of eutrophication and cHABs to determine the drivers of these processes in Muskegon Lake over varying time scales and what effect they have on cHABs. Eutrophication will be quantified by nitrate and phosphate measurements and chlorophyll a concentration, HABs will be quantified by chlorophyll a (algal abundance) and phycocyanin (relative cyanobacteria, cHABs, abundance) pigment concentrations. Meteorological data will also be considered; wind events, temperature, and precipitation will be monitored and their implications on cHABs explored. Additional sampling during 2025-2027 field season will complement MLO data: we will collect biweekly surface and bottom water samples to be analyzed for nitrogen and phosphorous. Lastly, we will deploy sensors in the Muskegon Lake Channel to monitor the composition of the river plume that exits Muskegon Lake into nearshore Lake Michigan. Additionally, the NOAA-GLERL buoy at M15 in nearshore Lake Michigan will monitor both chlorophyll and phycocyanin concentrations to detect potentially HABs-containing river plume movements in the vicinity of the City of Muskegon drinking water intake along with a real-time phycocyanin sensor in the intake well at the drinking water treatment plant – enabling timely mitigation efforts if cHABs should be detected. Hyperspectral flyovers on an order of two to three times a year will map the spatial distribution of the cyanobacteria bloom in Muskegon Lake and nearshore, using the buoy data for validation efforts.
Funding:
FY2024: $289,000
Contact: Steve.Ruberg@noaa.gov