Coker, Ayooluwateso2022-11-142022-11-142022-08https://hdl.handle.net/11299/243053University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. 2022. Major: Water Resources Science. Advisor: Dr. Robert Sterner. 1 computer file (PDF); 78 pages.In recent years a pattern of major storms followed by major blooms has occurred in Lake Superior. Cyanobacterial blooms negatively affect water quality and are a growing public health concern. This study investigates the impact of storm-derived sediment on the formation of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Superior. Sediment samples were analyzed for total phosphorus, resin-exchangeable phosphorus, and bioavailable phosphorus. The analyses revealed a strong correlation between fine-grain size and high phosphorus concentration. The analysis of bioavailable P also suggested algae accessed sedimentary phosphorus. I conclude storm-derived sediment supply bioavailable phosphorus to algae. This increases the growth of algae and results in the formation of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Superior.enThesis or Dissertation