Effect of Moss Killer on Dissolved Oxygen and Turbidity of Western Washington Lakes

Abstract

Several studies have been conducted on the effects of various pollutants on freshwater water systems in Washington state; however, research into the effects of increased concentrations of zinc, particularly via moss control products (representing a significant portion of the accumulative zinc pollution in Washington waterways) is scarce. The goal of this study is to shed light on the effect of moss control on the health of native aquatic microbial communities in Western Washington, measured via rate of change of dissolved oxygen and turbidity levels. Samples from Green Lake, Martha Lake, and Lake Washington were collected and introduced to varying concentrations of moss control, and the dissolved oxygen and turbidity levels of these samples were monitored over five days. It was discovered that there is a statistically significant negative correlation between concentration of moss control and both dissolved oxygen and turbidity. More research is needed to verify and further investigate these relationships.