The environmental problems of phosphorus pollution are examined using an activity analysis approach to account for phosphorus inputs to surface waters. For purposes of analysis, the study assumes phosphorus to be the limiting factor in algal growth and eutrophication. A mass flow model, general enough to be applied to specific lakes or river basins, was developed in order to relate the flow of phosphorus from all activities in a basin to the consequences of eutrophication. Various control tactics to limit mass flow and thus eutrophication were defined from the standpoint of both supply and demand for phosphorus producing products and the management of phosphorus uses. Combinations of feasible controls designed as strategies, were applied to the model to determine the cost-effectiveness of the strategies in minimizing eutrophication. A hyper-eutrophic hypothetical lake basin, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie were analyzed as case examples to test the model and control methods.

Prepared for Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under contract 68-01-0728, program element 1BA030. References cited: pages 305-325. Includes bibliographical references (pages 326-332).