
Data Categories:Water
Data Source:MN Pollution Control Agency, Natural Resources Research Institute
Update Fequency:Annually
Date Acquired:12/15/2019
Data Available:Yes
Metadata Available:Yes
Tags:Lakes, Water Quality
This data layer indicates Lake Chlorophyll-a levels in micrograms per liter. It was developed by the Natural Resources Research Institute using data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The concentration of total phosphorus, chlorophyll and Secchi depth are the three components used to assess lake trophic status or health. Chlorophyll-a is the green pigment that is found in plants and algae. Because all algal cells contain this pigment, its concentration provides an estimate of algal biomass. Metrics were calculated using the 10 year average for samples collected from May through September. The average is recalculated annually.