Theory 66/Freshwater & Wetland/Shallow lakes
Turbidity Is Nutrients Against Grazers
The claim
A shallow lake becomes turbid when the ratio of nutrient load to grazing pressure exceeds a threshold, so nutrient reduction without grazing recovery can fail.
01Mechanism
Algae grow with nutrients and are eaten by zooplankton; when growth outpaces grazing, turbidity rises and light is lost to rooted plants.
02Prediction
Turbidity should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Turbidity tracking nutrients alone would remove grazing.