The atmospheric contribution of phosphorus to an aquatic system

Samplers designed to collect bulk atmospheric fallout were located at three sites around Lake Carl Blackwell, Oklahoma in order to gather data regarding the atmospheric contribution of P to the Lake. Based on the data collected, it was determined that the atmosphere is a definite source of P to Lake Carl Blackwell. It was also concluded that P quantities, as a general trend, increased as the volume of precipitation increased and that atmospheric contributions vary with sampler location. Based on the average annual atmospheric P contribution and the average calculated surface area and lake volume, it was determined that the atmosphere can become a significant non-point source of P to this aquatic system.