Eutrophication: Alkaline phosphatase revisited

Although very well known as a phenomenon, eutrophication of lakes remains as an unresolved problem. Freshwater has become a limited resource everywhere, even critical in some areas of the world. Water quality problems must be identified as early as possible and at a minimum time and cost, so solutions can be found quickly and be effective. Alkaline phosphatase, according to a number of researchers, is a good indicator of phosphorus limitation and eutrophication. Other results, however, are apparently contradictory. A small set of data from lakes of varying trophy show the value of alkaline phosphatase as an indicator of eutrophication.