Advances in Plateau Lake Water Quality and Eutrophication

Dear Colleagues,

Eutrophication of lakes typically refers to the increase in nutrient elements, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, due to human activities or natural factors. This process results in a decline in water quality, characterized by reduced dissolved oxygen levels, the production of toxins (such as those from blue-green algae), disruption of food webs, increased turbidity, hydrochemical changes (including fluctuations in pH), diminished biodiversity, degradation of aquatic vegetation, and various negative ecological impacts.

As a global environmental issue, eutrophication of water bodies is receiving increasing attention. Numerous studies indicate that the occurrence of eutrophication in lakes is influenced not only by water quality conditions but also by geographical and meteorological factors, as well as the hydraulic conditions and aquatic ecosystems present in these lakes. Significant regional differences exist in the relationship between the inherent nutritional status, nutrient load entering lakes, and the effects of eutrophication across different regions.

Currently, numerous studies have been conducted on the eutrophication evolution processes of lakes across various regions; however, research specifically addressing the eutrophication evolution patterns of plateau lakes remains relatively scarce. The lakes situated in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau encompass those found in Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and other areas. This region's lake terrain is characterized by high mountains and deep valleys, with an average altitude exceeding 1000 meters, and it experiences highly active tectonic movements. Most lakes are located along significant fault zones formed by stratigraphic faults. Additionally, some karst lakes are noted for their high altitudes, small surface areas, and deep waters. Under natural conditions, the concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in these lakes are generally low, resulting in predominantly poor to moderately nutritious lakes. Due to the semi-closed characteristics of lakes, water resources within the lake basin are generally scarce, with an uneven spatial and temporal distribution. Furthermore, lakes possess a longer water exchange cycle, rendering their ecosystems more fragile compared to those of lakes in the eastern plains. Intensified human activities can lead to eutrophication, as evidenced by lakes such as Dianchi, which have rapidly become eutrophic and lost their ecological functions due to significant human interference. In recent decades, the acceleration of climate change, along with frequent industrial and daily life activities, has posed new challenges to the water quality safety of plateau lakes. In response, this special issue systematically analyzes the nutrient levels, plant community structures, and water quality of representative plateau lakes at various stages of eutrophication research. It also investigates the characteristics and influencing factors of eutrophication evolution in these lakes, aiming to elucidate the trends of environmental changes in lakes and their surrounding areas, as well as the impact of human activities on lake environmental changes. This research provides theoretical support for the sustainable management of water resources in plateau lakes.”

Dr. Zhenghui Fu
Dr. Zheng Li
Guest Editors

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• simulation of watershed water environmental processes
• environmental planning and management
• eutrophication risk assessment and management
• algal bloom warning and emergency response
• multi-scale environmental risk zoning