Environmental issues of Lake Taihu, China

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 581; no. 1; pp. 3 - 14
• Main Authors: Qin, Boqiang, Xu, Pengzhu, Wu, Qinglong, Luo, Liancong, Zhang, Yunlin
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Dordrecht : Kluwer Academic Publishers 01.05.2007; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Aquaculture; Aquatic plants; Biological and medical sciences; Bottom currents; Eutrophication; Fresh water ecosystems; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; hydrology; Lake Taihu; Lakes; Nonpoint source pollution; Nutrient sources; Pollution sources; Rural areas; Sewage; Synecology; Water column; Water depth; Water pollution; Water quality; Water supply; Wave height; Asia; China; China, People's Rep., Tai Hu L; China, People's Rep; Aquatic environment; Hydrobiology; Water quality, Eutrophication; Water quality; Lake Taihu, Hydrography; Lakes; Hydrography; Aquaculture; Eutrophication
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1007/s10750-006-0521-5

Lake Taihu is characterized by its shallowness (mean depth = 1.9 m) and large surface area (2,338 km²). Runoff sources are mostly from the mountainous west and southwest, and outflows are located throughout East Taihu. This causes shorter retention times in the south. In contrast, urban pollutants discharge into northern Taihu and result in poor water quality. Non-point pollution from rural areas and sewage wastewater is the primary pollution source. Water current velocity ranges from 10-30 cm s-¹, and surface currents normally follow wind direction. Bottom currents appear to be a compensation flow. Most wave heights are less than 40 cm, and underwater irradiance correlates to seston in the water column. Lacustrine sediment is distributed in littoral zones, mostly along the western shoreline, with almost no accumulation in the lake center. Intensive aquaculture in East Taihu caused eutrophication and hampered water supply in surrounding areas. In addition, development of marshiness in the eastern littoral zones and East Taihu has occurred. The function of flood discharging of East Taihu has been limited by flourishing macrophytes. The problems facing in Lake Taihu will be alleviated by improving the management of nutrient sources into the lake.