From River to Lake: Phosphorus partitioning and algal community compositional changes in Western Lake Erie

► We examined phytoplankton, benthic algae, and phosphorus (P) in Lake Erie and Maumee River in 2009. ► The Maumee River may act as a source of Microcystis cyanobacteria for Lake Erie blooms. ► Lyngbya wollei has the potential to retain and recycle significant amount of P in nearshore areas. ► Dissolved organic phosphorus, often overlooked, was an important form of P in the river and lake.