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

Hu, W., Wei, W., Ye, C., Li, C., Zheng, Y., Shi, X. , Chang, M. and Chen, H. (2021) Determining the optimal biomass of macrophytes during the ecological restoration process of eutrophic shallow lakes. Water, 13(21), 3142. (doi: 10.3390/w13213142)

Abstract

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: This study was supported by the 13th-five National Water Pollution Control and Treatment Science and Technology Major Project of China (2017ZX07203-005).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shi, Dr John Xiaogang

Creator Roles

Shi, X.: Formal analysis

• Authors: Hu, W., Wei, W., Ye, C., Li, C., Zheng, Y., Shi, X., Chang, M., and Chen, H.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Water
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2073-4441
• ISSN (Online): 2073-4441
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 by the authors
• First Published: First published in Water 13(21):3142
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence