Common Chemical Tests
| Nitrogen | Phosphorus |
| Sulfates | Turbidity |
Phosphorus
Phosphorus has many of the same effects as nitrogen. It can spark algal blooms as well as increase algal weed populations. Fertilizer runoff, sewage treatment run off, or detergents and cleaners can cause excess phosphorus. Phosphorus has the additional danger of being able to settle into the sediment of the lake or stream to be re-suspended when water currents increase.
Other tests, including and/or in addition to those described above, may be appropriate
for the watershed in your area. The indicators the were chosen as points of
study while making your monitoring plan are a good way to decide what tests need
to be performed.