A reservoir in management-induced transition between ecological states

The impact of phosphorus control on the nutrient dynamics and biological activity of Foxcote Reservoir, a small impounded reservoir operated by Anglian Water are discussed. Phosphorus precipitation using iron salts was commenced in 1981 to improve the treatability of previously algal-laden water and continued until 1994 when the reservoir was closed as a water supply source. A marked decrease in algal biomass was observed after an initial delay, which coincided with an increase in the abundance of aquatic macrophytes. There were also marked shifts in the macrophyte community during the following 10 years, with an increase in Elodea and an initial increase then decline in Chara. The zooplankton community also changed with an increase in the larger bodied Daphma pulex. No overall change in the rate of denitrification was observed, although patterns of silica depletion showed changes in frequency. Trends in wildfowl counts over this period reflect changes in the ecology of the reservoir.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]