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Trophic state is a
classification system of lakes based on the process of eutrophication. Natural eutrophication is the
accumlation of nutrients and sediments in a body of water as it ages.
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Oligotrophic lakes
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very clear lakes
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low nutrient levels
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high DO levels
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few aquatic plants
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no algal blooms
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~8% of significant ME lakes
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Eutrophic - on the other end
of spectrum from oligotrophic
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high nutrient levels
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high numbers of aquatic plants
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repeated algal blooms
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~35% of significant ME lakes
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Mesotrophic - not as well
defined - transition between the two extremes
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no algal blooms but higher levels of nuts than
oligotrophic lakes
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~57% of significant ME lakes
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