Influence of beaver ponds on the phosphorus concentration of stream water

Abstract

A study of five beaver ponds in central New York State showed that the ponds differed in how they influenced streamwater P concentration. Processes in three of the ponds increased soluble reactive P (SRP) of the stream water during warmer months, and also dramatically increased SRP in one of these ponds (Black Warrior) during an extended period of ice cover. The remaining two ponds were consistent in reducing SRP in stream water at all times of the year. Total soluble P trends essentially followed those of SRP at each of the ponds, while total P differed from SRP at four of the sites. Microbial respiration created anaerobic conditions within the pond sediments which influenced biogeochemical cycling of P. Anaerobic conditions and H 2 S production occurred at Black Warrior pond during the extended winter ice cover, resulting in SRP release. My results showed that elevated levels of P may occur for only short distances downstream of ponds before equilibrium processes reduce the concentration.