Increasing alkalinity is often related to increased algae productivity. A form of nitrogen found in organic materials and many fertilizers. It is the first form of nitrogen released when organic matter decays. It can be used by most aquatic plants and is therefore an important nutrient. The conversion rate is related to water temperature.
Ammonia is toxic to fish at relatively low concentrations in pH-neutral or alkaline water.
Refers to the chemical ions present that carry a negative charge in contrast to cations, which carry a positive charge. There must be equal amounts of positive and negative charged ions in any water sample. Aquatic animals without an internal skeletal structure such as insects, mollusks, and crayfish. Measured as organisms or dry matter per cubic meter, biomass indicates the degree of a lake system's eutrophication or productivity. Some produce chemicals toxic to other organisms, including humans.