In lakes, what is a common result of applying herbicides?

The application of herbicides in lakes is primarily aimed at controlling nuisance aquatic plants. These herbicides are designed to target specific species that may be overabundant, allowing for the management of plant growth that can interfere with aquatic ecosystems, recreation, and water quality. By controlling these plants, the overall health of the lake ecosystem can be improved, fostering a balanced environment for other aquatic life.

In contrast, while herbicides are effective at targeting unwanted plant species, they can also inadvertently lead to unintended consequences such as the stimulation of algae growth due to increased nutrient availability from the decaying plant matter or from run-off, which explains why not all applications lead to a sudden increase in water clarity or fish populations.