Determining the optimal biomass of macrophytes during the ecological restoration process of eutrophic shallow lakes

TY - JOUR

T1 - Determining the optimal biomass of macrophytes during the ecological restoration process of eutrophic shallow lakes

AU - Hu, Wen

AU - Wei, Weiwei

AU - Ye, Chun

AU - Li, Chunhua

AU - Zheng, Ye

AU - Shi, Xiaogang

AU - Chang, Manqi

AU - Chen, Hongsen

N1 - 7336, AqE

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Many studies have shown that macrophytes play a significant role in controlling eutrophication; however, only a few of these are based on macrophyte biomass. Based on the growth characteristic of macrophytes, we propose an approach for the assessment of the optimal biomass of macrophytes in the decay and growth periods in Lake Datong (a shallow lake), using a lake ecological model. The results showed that the pollution load of the lake should be reduced by 50% while conforming to the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water (EQSSW) Class III. In contrast, with an increase in the pollution load of 5%, the results indicate that the lake may deteriorate to a turbid state over the next few years. The macrophyte biomass should be harvested during the decay period, when 80% biomass is beneficial to the water quality of the eutrophic shallow lake. Based on macrophyte simulation from 2020–2024, the wet biomass of macrophytes should be controlled at 5.5 kg/m2 . The current macrophyte biomass in Lake Datong is four-fold higher than the simulated optimal biomass. This study provides a reference for the adequate ecological restoration of the lake and its subsequent maintenance, as well as scientific support for improving the comprehensive evaluation standard of healthy lakes and the theoretical basis of lake ecological restoration.

AB - Many studies have shown that macrophytes play a significant role in controlling eutrophication; however, only a few of these are based on macrophyte biomass. Based on the growth characteristic of macrophytes, we propose an approach for the assessment of the optimal biomass of macrophytes in the decay and growth periods in Lake Datong (a shallow lake), using a lake ecological model. The results showed that the pollution load of the lake should be reduced by 50% while conforming to the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water (EQSSW) Class III. In contrast, with an increase in the pollution load of 5%, the results indicate that the lake may deteriorate to a turbid state over the next few years. The macrophyte biomass should be harvested during the decay period, when 80% biomass is beneficial to the water quality of the eutrophic shallow lake. Based on macrophyte simulation from 2020–2024, the wet biomass of macrophytes should be controlled at 5.5 kg/m2 . The current macrophyte biomass in Lake Datong is four-fold higher than the simulated optimal biomass. This study provides a reference for the adequate ecological restoration of the lake and its subsequent maintenance, as well as scientific support for improving the comprehensive evaluation standard of healthy lakes and the theoretical basis of lake ecological restoration.

KW - Lake Datong

KW - Lake management

KW - Macrophytes

KW - Optimal biomass

KW - PCLake

KW - Shallow lake

KW - international

KW - Plan_S-Compliant-OA

U2 - 10.3390/w13213142

DO - 10.3390/w13213142

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85118825041

SN - 2073-4441

VL - 13

JO - Water (Switzerland)

JF - Water (Switzerland)

IS - 21

M1 - 3142

ER -