A water quality study of phosphates in the Clear Creek Basin

A means of developing a water quality management program for the control of eutrophication in the Clear Creek Basin and estuary is presented. The program is based upon the use of hydrochemical phosphate source surveys and biological analyses to predict algal productivity in the basin. Based upon the hydrochemical survey data, the effectiveness of possible methods of phosphate source control is revealed through the use of mixed algal cultures to measure productivity. The problems that were encountered in using this approach for water quality management are discussed and recommendations are made for improvement.