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Successful Restoration of a Shallow Lake: A Case Study Based on Bistable Theory

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Abstract

Eutrophication of shallow lakes provides an excellent example of alternative stable states. Clear water, macrophyte-dominated stages can alternate with turbid conditions characterized by high algal concentrations. Stable states can switch from one to the other domination through alterations of natural factors such as changes in water level and reduction in throughflow. Forward switches are often associated with anthropogenic pressure. In such cases, backward shift to the original, macrophyte-dominated stage may be difficult. Return times are often prolonged due to hysteresis as a result of resilience. The theory is exemplified with results from a shallow, urban, seepage lake ‘Old Danube,’ which is within the city limits of Vienna. Causes and consequences of switches between stable states including resilience and hysteresis are discussed. The remediation measures are explained and the success of the restoration is explained in detail.

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Acknowledgments

The investigation, restoration, and management of Old Danube (Alte Donau) were and are continuously supported financially as well as practically by the Municipal Department–45 (Water Management – Vienna). We would like to thank all of the numerous collaborators and the Municipal Department for the permission to publish the results.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. DWS Hydro-Ökologie GmbH Consulting Engineers of Hydroecology and Landscaping, A-1050, Vienna, Austria

    Martin T. Dokulil

  2. Systema Bio- and Management Consulting GmbH, A-1140, Vienna, Austria

    Martin T. Dokulil

  3. Department of Limnology and Hydrobotany, University Vienna, A-1091, Wien, Austria

    Martin T. Dokulil

  4. DWS Hydro-Ökologie GmbH, Zentagasse 47, A-1050, Vienna, Austria

    Karl Donabaum

  5. Systema Bio- and Management Consulting GmbH, Bensasteig, 8, A-1140, Vienna, Austria

    Karin Pall

Authors
  1. Martin T. Dokulil
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  2. Karl Donabaum
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  3. Karin Pall
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martin T. Dokulil .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202 002, India

    Abid A. Ansari

  2. Engineering & Biotechnology, Plant Molecular Biology Grop, International Centre for Genetic, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110 067, India

    Sarvajeet Singh Gill

  3. , Department of Natural Resources Conserva, University of Massachusetts, 326 Holdsworth Hall, Amherst, 01003-9285, USA

    Guy R. Lanza

  4. , Department of Biology, Texas State University, University Drive 601, San Marcos, 78666, Texas, USA

    Walter Rast

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Dokulil, M.T., Donabaum, K., Pall, K. (2010). Successful Restoration of a Shallow Lake: A Case Study Based on Bistable Theory. In: Ansari, A., Singh Gill, S., Lanza, G., Rast, W. (eds) Eutrophication: causes, consequences and control. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9625-8_14

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