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This project will assess the quantity of phosphorus loading from different sources to Utah Lake using geochemical analysis and GIS spatial analysis and modeling. Findings can help state agencies prioritize remediation efforts and to establish specific regulations on phosphorus discharge.
Potential Research Questions:
Year 1- How much nutrient input to Utah Lake is from agricultural lands, residential lawns, and waste water treatment plants?
Year 2- What triggers the algal bloom in Utah Lake?
Year 3- What could be done to eliminate the algal blooms in Utah Lake?
Student Activities:
Students will: 1) conduct a literature review and build a conceptual model on phosphorus
sources; 2) survey and map the locations of algal blooms; collect samples from sites
around the lake and prepare them for analysis at UC Davis; 3) employ different GIS
spatial analysis techniques to visualize the phosphorus concentrations; 4) synthesize
findings to assess the factors and sources that contribute to algal blooms; and 5)
present their findings to state agencies and propose solutions to help eliminate algal
blooms in Utah Lake.
Faculty Mentor: Weihong Wang, Associate Professor, Department of Earth Science Partnering Agencies: Utah Division of Water Quality; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
