Controlling cyanobacterial blooms by managing nutrient ratio and limitation in a large hypereutrophic lake: Lake Taihu,China

Excessive nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) loading of aquatic ecosystems is a leading cause of eutrophication and harmful algal blooms worldwide, and reducing nutrient levels in water has been a primary management objective. To provide a rational protection strategy and predict future trends of eutrophication in eutrophic lakes, we need to understand the relationships between nutrient ratios and nutrient limitations. We conducted a set of outdoor bioassays at the shore of Lake Taihu. It showed that N only additions induced phytoplankton growth but adding only P did not. Combined N plus P additions promoted higher phytoplankton biomass than N only additions, which suggested that both N and P were deficient for maximum phytoplankton growth in this lake(TN:TP = 18.9). When nutrients are present at less than 7.75–13.95 mg/L TN and 0.41–0.74 mg/L TP, the deficiency of either N or P or both limits the growth of phytoplankton. N limitation then takes place when the TN:TP ratio is less than 21.5–24.7(TDN:TDP was 34.2–44.3), and P limitation occurs above this. Therefore, according to this ratio, controlling N when N limitation exists and controlling P when P deficiency is present will prevent algal blooms effectively in the short term. But for the long term, a persistent dual nutrient(N and P) management strategy is necessary.     

Influence of sunlight on the proliferation of cyanobacterial blooms and its potential applications in Lake Taihu, China

To learn the relationship between sunlight intensity and cyanobacterial proliferations for the further control of the heavy blooms, enclosure experiment were conducted in Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu by regulating the natural light intensities with different shading ratio （0% （full sunlight）, 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% of original natural sunlight intensities） from September to November in 2010. The results indicated that phytoplankton biomass （mean） decreased significantly when the shading ratios reached 50% or more. Higher shading ratios （e.g. 75%） were very efficient in controlling the average and total cyanobacterialbloom biomass, while 50% shading ratio was proven very effective either in controlling the peak value of phytoplankton biomass or postponing the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Talhu. In addition, phytoplankton composition and photosynthesis efficiency were also affected by altering the shading ratios, and in turn, they might also act on phytoplankton growth. Based on the results from the present study, intermediate shading strategies such as regulation of water level or turbidity through the hydrology regulations would probably be an effective and efficient method in controlling cyanobacterial blooms in large and shallow lakes.     

Impacts of algal blooms removal by chitosan-modified soils on zooplankton community in Taihu Lake, China

It is important to assess the e ect on zooplankton when perform the environmental protection or restoration technology, especially removing algal blooms, because algae were the major primary producer in algal lakes. The influence on zooplankton community after half a year of algal blooms removed by chitosan-modified soils in Taihu Lake was assessed and the rationality of carrying out the process semiannually was evaluated in the present study. Morphological composition and genetic diversity of zooplankton community were investigated by microscope checkup and polymerase chain reaction-denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). A total of 44 zooplankton taxa (23 protozoa, 17 rotifers, 3 copepoda and 1 cladocera) were detected by microscope checkup, and a total of 91 bands (28 bands amplified by primers F1427-GC and R1616, 63 bands amplified by primers Fung-GC and NS1) were detected by PCR-DGGE. The results of cluster analysis or detrended correspondence analysis indicated that there was no considerable di erence in morphological composition of zooplankton and DGGE profiles between experimental and control sites, and DGGE profiles could represent the biologic diversity. The study showed that zooplankton community could recover original condition after half year of algal blooms removed by chitosan-modified soils and it was acceptable to apply this process semiannually. In addition, the results revealed that PCR-DGGE could be applied to investigate the impacts of the environmental protection or restoration engineering on zooplankton community diversity.     

Responses of alkaline phosphatase activity to wind-driven waves in a large, shallow lake: Implications for phosphorus availability and algal blooms

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for algal growth, thus, a better understanding of phosphorus availability is essential to mitigate harmful algal blooms in lakes. Wind waves are a ubiquitous characteristic of lake ecosystems. However, its effects on the cycling of organic phosphorus and its usage by phytoplankton remain poorly elucidated in shallow eutrophic lakes. A mesocosm experiment was carried out to investigate the responses of alkaline phosphatase activity fractions to wind waves in large, shallow, eutrophic Lake Taihu. Results showed that wind-driven waves induced the release of alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus from the sediment, and dramatically enhanced phytoplanktonic alkaline phosphatase activity. However, compared to the calm conditions, bacterial and dissolved alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in wind-wave conditions. Consistently, the gene copies of Microcystis phoX increased but bacterial phoX decreased under wind-wave conditions. The ecological effects of these waves on phosphorus and phytoplankton likely accelerated the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus and promoted phytoplankton production in Lake Taihu. This study provides an improved current understanding of phosphorus availability and the phosphorus strategies of plankton in shallow, eutrophic lakes.     

Temporal and spatial variation of nitrogen and phosphorus and eutrophication assessment for a typical arid river—Fuyang River in northern China

Based on water quality surveys over 2 years(July to December,in 2014 and 2015) in a typical arid river in northern China the Xingtai segment of the Fuyang River basin — the variation of nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) was analyzed.The extent of water eutrophication of this segment was also assessed using a universal index formula for eutrophic evaluation and a logarithmic power function.The results showed that the average concentration of total N(TN) was 27.2 mg/L(NH_3-N,63.5%),total P(TP) was 2.0 mg/L(solution reactive phosphorus,68.8%).Temporal and spatial variations of N and P in this segment were observed.Concentrations of N and P in the arid season were higher than those in the rainy season.Spatially,the N and P concentrations followed the same trend;i.e.,higher in the city segment than in the suburbs,and decreasing along the river.The water eutrophication in the studied segment reached extremely high levels at all times(eutrophication index ≥76.3).Spatially,its trend was clearly linked with N and P.Water shortage,pollution accumulation and a weak self-purification function are the main reasons for the prominent eutrophication in this segment.     

太湖出入湖河道与湖体水质季节差异分析

基于2016年太湖16条主要河道及对应湖体的水质逐月监测数据,深入探讨了太湖流域不同分区河道的外源营养盐输入对湖体水质影响及其季节变化.结果发现:(1)太湖流域河道总氮(TN)、溶解性总氮(DTN)、总磷(TP)和溶解性总磷(DTP)的月平均浓度均高于对应湖体,主要入流区河道与临近湖体的营养盐浓度呈现显著正相关,表明外源补给对湖体营养盐浓度产生巨大影响;(2)无论是河道还是湖体的营养盐浓度,均呈现明显的季节变化,且峰值产生月份不同:河道平均TN最高值出现在3月,为4.82 mg·L-1,平均TP最高值出现在12月,为0.218 mg·L-1;湖体TN、TP峰值均出现在蓝藻水华暴发期间(7月),分别为4.13 mg·L-1和0.255 mg·L-1;(3)极端降水过程短期内能明显降低河道营养盐浓度,但会引起湖体营养盐外源负荷的明显增高,不利于湖体富营养化控制.本研究表明,对于空间异质性较高的大型浅水湖泊,流域河道入湖污染对湖体营养盐时空格局具有重要的塑造作用,而湖体的污染物自净能力、蓝藻水华物质的空间堆积及风浪引发的底泥再悬浮作用等也都对湖体营养盐浓度、时空格局产生重要影响.     

Cyanobacteria-/cyanotoxin-contaminations and eutrophication status before Wuxi Drinking Water Crisis in Lake Taihu, China

After the appalling “Wuxi DrinkingWater Crisis”, increasing investigations concerning the contaminations of cyanobacterial blooms and their toxins in Lake Taihu have been performed and reported in the last two years. However, information regarding these issues before the crisis in 2007 remained insu cient. To provide some background data for further comparisons, the present study reported our investigations conducted in 2004, associated with the cyanotoxin contaminations as well as the eutrophication status in Lake Taihu. Results from the one-year-study near a drinking water resource for Wuxi City indicated that, unlike the status in recent two years, cyanobacteria and chlorophyta are the co-dominance species throughout the year. The highest toxin concentration (34.2 ng/mL) in water columns occurred in August. In bloom biomass, the peak value of intracellular toxin (0.59 g/mg DW) was determined in October, which was lag behind that in water column. In addition, MC-RR was the major toxin variant throughout the year. During the study period, nutrients levels of total nitrogen and phosphorus were also recorded monthly. Results from the present study will lead to a better understanding of the eutrophication status and the potential risks before “Wuxi Drinking Water Crisis”.     

Seasonal dynamics of water bloom-forming Microcystis morphospecies and the associated extracellular microcystin concentrations in large, shallow, eutrophic Dianchi Lake

The increasing occurrence of Microcystis blooms is of great concern to public health and ecosystem due to the potential hepatotoxic microcystins （MCs） produced by these colonial cyanobacteria. In order to interpret the relationships between variations of Microcyst/s morphospedes and extracellular MC concentrations, the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton community composition, MC concentrations, and environmental parameters were monitored monthly from August, 2009 to July, 2010. The results indicated that Microcystis dominated total phytoplankton abundance from May to December （96%--99% of total biovolume）, with toxic Microcystis viridis and non-toxic Microcystis wesenbergii dominating after July （constituting 65%- 95% of the Microcystis population）, followed by M. viridis as the sole dominant species from November to January （49%--93%）. Correlation analysis revealed that water temperature and nutrient were the most important variables accounting for the occurrence ofM. wesenbergii, while the dominance ofM. viridis was related with nitrite and nitrate. The relatively low content of MCs was explained by the association with a large proportion of M. viriclis and M. wesenbergii, small colony size of Microcystis populations, and low water temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. The extracellular MC （mean of 0.5 ± 0.2 μg/L） of water samples analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） demonstrated the low concentrations of MC in Dianchi Lake which implied the low potential risk for human health in the basin. The survey provides the first whole lake study of the occurrence and seasonal variability of Microcyst/s population and     

Initial identification of heavy metals contamination in Taihu Lake, a eutrophic lake in China

A detailed investigation of seven heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, As, Pb, Zn, Ni) in the water column, interstitial water and surface sediment was conducted to quantify the extent of their contamination in Taihu Lake. Results showed the average total concentrations ranged from 0.93 μg/L for Cd to 47.03 μg/L for Zn. The dissolved concentrations in the overlying water ranged from 0.06 μg/L for Cd to 15.86 μg/L for Zn. The metals in the Taihu Lake surface water were primarily in the particulate phase, especially for Cd, whose particulate concentration represented 94.3% of the total. In the surface sediment, the mean concentrations for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb were 41.50, 28.72, 27.82, 65.46, 5.94, 0.82 and 41.17 mg/kg, respectively. The metals in the water column and sediments of Taihu Lake displayed significant spatial variations, and the higher metal concentrations mainly occurred in the north and west of Taihu Lake, especially in Zhushan Bay and West Taihu Lake. A quality assessment indicated that most of the metals in the surface water of Taihu Lake had no or low adverse health effects on organisms, except for Pb and Cu, which may cause chronic toxicity. Compared with the "Consensus-Based Sediment Quality Guidelines", the polluting metals were Cr, Ni and Cd, and the polluted regions were confined to Zhushan Bay, Meiliang Bay and the west of Taihu Lake, especially for north of Zhushan Bay. The polluted areas for Cr, Ni and Cd were 14.36, 34.70 and 13.24 km², respectively. We suggest that Cr, Ni, and Cd in the polluted areas should be addressed and that tissue chemistry and sediment toxicity assessments be performed as soon as possible.     

Mobility and sulfidization of heavy metals in sediments of a shallow eutrophic lake,Lake Taihu,China

The technique of DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) using three diffusive gel thicknesses was applied to estimate the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments and porewater of Lake Taihu, China. The DGT results showed significantly positive correlations between Co, Pb, Cd and Mn, and Ni and Fe concentrations in porewater. Cu and Zn showed a significantly negative correlation with Mn, due to Cu combination with carbonates and Zn derived from agricultural pollution, respectively. The rank order of average concentrations of Co, Ni and Cd at each station was DGT_1.92 > DGT_0.78 > DGT_0.39, suggesting stronger resupply from sediments to porewater when using thicker diffusive gels. Comparing centrifugation and DGT measurements, Co, Ni and Cd are highly labile; Mn and Fe are moderately labile; and Cu, Zn and Pb are slightly labile. The variations of AVS concentrations in sediment cores indicate that metal sulfides in deeper layers are easily diffused into surface sediments.     

Mobility and sulfidization of heavy metals in sediments of a shallow eutrophic lake, Lake Taihu, China

The technique of DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) using three diffusive gel thicknesses was applied to estimate the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments and porewater of Lake Taihu, China. The DGT results showed significantly positive correlations between Co, Pb, Cd and Mn, and Ni and Fe concentrations in porewater. Cu and Zn showed a significantly negative correlation with Mn, due to Cu combination with carbonates and Zn derived from agricultural pollution, respectively. The rank order of average concentrations of Co, Ni and Cd at each station was DGT_1.92 > DGT_0.78 > DGT_0.39, suggesting stronger resupply from sediments to porewater when using thicker diffusive gels. Comparing centrifugation and DGT measurements, Co, Ni and Cd are highly labile; Mn and Fe are moderately labile; and Cu, Zn and Pb are slightly labile. The variations of AVS concentrations in sediment cores indicate that metal sulfides in deeper layers are easily diffused into surface sediments.     

Mobility and sulfidization of heavy metals in sediments of a shallow eutrophic lake, Lake Taihu, China

The technique of DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) using three diffusive gel thicknesses was applied to estimate the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments and porewater of Lake Taihu, China. The DGT results showed significantly positive correlations between Co, Pb, Cd and Mn, and Ni and Fe concentrations in porewater. Cu and Zn showed a significantly negative correlation with Mn, due to Cu combination with carbonates and Zn derived from agricultural pollution, respectively. The rank order of average concentrations of Co, Ni and Cd at each station was DGT_1.92 >DGT_0.78 >DGT_0.39, suggesting stronger resupply from sediments to porewater when using thicker diffusive gels. Comparing centrifugation and DGT measurements, Co, Ni and Cd are highly labile; Mn and Fe are moderately labile; and Cu, Zn and Pb are slightly labile. The variations of AVS concentrations in sediment cores indicate that metal sulfides in deeper layers are easily diffused into surface sediments.     

Spatial heterogeneity of cyanobacterial communities and genetic variation of Microcystis populations within large, shallow eutrophic lakes (Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu, China)

Cyanobacteria, specifically Microcystis, usually form massive blooms in eutrophic freshwater lakes. Cyanobacterial samples were collected from eight sites of both Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu in late summer to determine the diversity and distribution pattern of cyanobacteria and Microcystis in large, shallow, entropic lakes with significant spatial heterogeneity and long-term Microcystis bloom. Molecular methods based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone library analysis were used. A similar heterogeneous distribution pattern of cyanobacteria in both lakes was observed. Most parts of these two lakes with high trophic level were dominated by Microcystis. However, in the regions with low trophic levels as well as low concentrations of chlorophyll a, Synechococcus occupied a considerable percentage. Different morphospecies and genotypes dominated the bloom-forming Microcystis populations in these two lakes. Microcystis viridis and Microcystis novacekii were dominant in Lake Chaohu, whereas Microcystis flos-aquae was dominant in Lake Taihu. Only 2 of the13 Microcystis operational taxonomic units were shared between these two lakes. Analysis of molecular variance based on 16S to 23S internal transcribed spacer sequences indicated the significant genetic differentiation of Microcystis between these two lakes (F_st = 0.19, p < 0.001). However, only 19.46% of the genetic variability was explained by the population variation between lakes, whereas most (80.54%) of the genetic variability occurred within the lakes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed no phylogeographic structure of Microcystis population in these two lakes, as illustrated by their cosmopolitan nature. Our results revealed that spatial heterogeneity within lakes has more impact on the cyanobacterial diversity than geographical isolation in a local scale.     

Ammonia volatilization from a Chinese cabbage field under different nitrogen treatments in the Taihu Lake Basin, China

Ammonia(NH_3) volatilization is a major pathway of nitrogen(N) loss from soil-crop systems.As vegetable cultivation is one of the most important agricultural land uses worldwide,a deeper understanding of NH_3 volatilization is necessary in vegetable production systems.We therefore conducted a 3-year(2010–2012) field experiment to characterize NH_3 volatilization and evaluate the effect of different N fertilizer treatments on this process during the growth period of Chinese cabbage.Ammonia volatilization rate,rainfall,soil water content,p H,and soil NH_4~+were measured during the growth period.The results showed that NH_3 volatilization was significantly and positively correlated to topsoil p H and NH4+concentration.Climate factors and fertilization method also significantly affected NH_3 volatilization.Specifically,organic fertilizer(OF) increased NH_3 volatilization by 11.77%–18.46%,compared to conventional fertilizer(CF,urea),while organic–inorganic compound fertilizer(OIF) reduced NH_3 volatilization by 8.82%–12.67% compared to CF.Furthermore,slow-release fertilizers had significantly positive effects on controlling NH_3 volatilization,with a 60.73%–68.80% reduction for sulfur-coated urea(SCU),a 71.85%–78.97% reduction for biological Carbon Power~#174; urea(BCU),and a 77.66%–83.12% reduction for bulk-blend controlled-release fertilizer(BBCRF)relative to CF.This study provides much needed baseline information,which will help in fertilizer choice and management practices to reduce NH_3 volatilization and encourage the development of new strategies for vegetable planting.     

兴凯湖有色可溶性有机物来源与组成特征—中国境内特大型界湖

运用光谱吸收与三维荧光－平行因子分析法(EEMs-PARAFAC)分析了兴凯湖有色可溶性有机物(CDOM)吸收光谱、荧光光谱特征以及荧光组分与主要水质参数的相关性,以探究兴凯湖CDOM来源组成特征.结果表明:平行因子分析法解析CDOM三维荧光图谱,得到陆源类腐殖质C1、微生物作用类腐殖质C2、类酪氨酸C3和类色氨酸C4.兴凯湖中陆源类腐殖质C1能较好反演DOC、TN浓度变化,且在富营养化更强的小兴凯湖中反演效果更好.吸收系数a₂₅₄、荧光峰积分比值I_C:I_T、光谱斜率S_275-295、DOC与C1-C2、C4在兴凯湖中线性拟合程度均较好,与C1的相关性最好,这意味着陆源类腐殖质是兴凯湖CDOM库的主要贡献者,入湖河流输入是兴凯湖CDOM的重要来源之一.小兴凯湖DOC、a₂₅₄均极显著高于大兴凯湖,说明小兴凯湖的CDOM丰度要高于大兴凯湖.小兴凯湖CDOM的I_C:I_T、C1-C2和C4的值均极显著大于大兴凯湖(P<0.001),小兴凯湖S_275-295与光谱斜率比值S_R均极显著小于大兴凯湖,小兴凯湖PC1得分均值显著高于大兴凯湖品,意味着相较于大兴凯湖而言,小兴凯湖CDOM陆源输入信号更强烈,腐殖质化程度更高,亦即河流输入、农业面源污染导致小兴凯湖CDOM腐殖质化程度升高,且这一部分CDOM分子量较大,应加强兴凯湖流域中生态渔业、生态农业、生态旅游、农田退水等河流污染源排放的控制管理.     

太湖地区的水资源与水环境——问题、原因与管理

太湖目前主要存在的问题是:①1998年太湖达标排放以来北太湖地区与梅梁湾的水环境没有如预期的那样得到显著改善;②太湖地区的洪涝问题并没有消除,相反随着经济的发展,其易损性增加;③东太湖的沼泽化与富营养化日趋严重,极大地降低了湖泊泄洪能力与供水能力。东太湖的沼泽化与富营养化与养殖业的无计划发展有很大关系,主要是管理所造成的。洪涝问题则是由于流域下垫面的急剧变化导致洪峰提前和洪峰流量增大。     

太湖地区高产水稻土经济极点施肥:一种农田N、P养分负荷的田间控制技术

我国农业中化肥施用过多而利用率极低,过量N、P养分由农田向水系的迁移损失是农业非点源污染的重要问题.本研究选择太湖地区高产水稻土(乌栅土),进行了不同施肥量及其养分配比的肥料试验.结果表明,供试土壤的基础肥力相当于6.75t/hm²产量,总施肥量(N+P)为300kg/hm²时达到土壤的极点产量(9.79t/hm²);但发现施肥量(N+P)240kg/hm²时产量仍可达9.69t/hm²,此时养分的产量效应最大.为此,笔者提出一种经济极点施肥模式(化肥N+P 240kg/hm²,N:P:K比为3:2:0或1:1:0),可以减少30%的N、P施用量.这可以进一步发展为环境安全的减肥-轮肥新技术,从而有利于控制N、P的农业非点源污染.     

贡嘎山冷杉林带草海子小流域土壤及湖泊沉积物中磷的形态及迁移特征

磷（P）是控制水体生态系统生产力的重要元素,了解陆地与水体间P的迁移特征,是了解控制水体生态系统中P有效供给的重要途径。本研究选择青藏高原东缘贡嘎山海拔2800 m左右峨眉冷杉林带中一小湖泊——草海子及其流域,通过对流域内土壤、湖泊沉积物中P的形态组成分析,探讨流域内P的形态组成及其迁移特征。结果表明,草海子流域内土壤成土母质中的磷以Ca-P为主,表层土壤中的磷以Al、Fe结合态为主,占总磷的49%~80%,而湖泊沉积物中Al、Fe结合态P下降到46%左右。在成土作用及植物吸收的过程中P由土壤剖面下部向上迁移,迁移的主要形态为树脂提取态（或称可交换态,R-P）,而R-P还是由陆地向水体迁移的主要形态P。土壤的Al、Fe结合态P难以释放转化,因此少有随地表径流迁移向湖泊。     

Sediment distribution pattern mapped from the combination of objective analysis and geostatistics in the large shallow Taihu Lake, China

Investigation was made into sediment depth at 723 irregularly scattered measurement points which cover all the regions in Talhu Lake, China. The combination of successive correction scheme and geostatistical method was used to get all the values of recent sediment thickness at the 69 x 69 grids in the whole lake. The results showed that there is the significant difference in sediment depth between the eastern area and the western region, and most of the sediments are located in the western shore-line and northern regimes but just a little in the center and eastem parts. The notable exception is the patch between the center and Xishan Island where the maximum sediment depth is more than 4.0 m. This sediment distribution pattem is more than likely related to the current circulation pattern induced by the prevailing wind-forcing in Taihu Lake. The numerical simulation of hydrodynamics can strong support the conclusion.Sediment effects on water quality was also studied and the results showed that the concentrations of TP, TN and SS in the western part are obviously larger than those in the eastem regime, which suggested that more nutrients can be released from thicker sediment areas.     

Response of community composition and biomass of submerged macrophytes to variation in underwater light, wind and trophic status in a large eutrophic shallow lake

Light climate is of key importance for the growth, community composition of submerged macrophytes in lakes and, they, in turn, are affected by lake depth and the degree of eutrophication. To test the relationships between submerged macrophyte presence and the ratio of Secchi disk depth (SDD) to water depth, i.e. SDD/depth, nutrients and wind, we conducted an extensive sampling campaign in a macrophyte-dominated area of the eastern region (n = 36) in 2016 in Lake Taihu, China, and combined the data gathered with results from extensive physico-chemical monitoring data from the entire lake. We confirmed that SDD/Depth is the primary factor controlling the community composition of macrophytes and showed that plant abundance increased with increasing SDD/Depth ratio (p < 0.01), but that only SDD/Depth > 0.4 ensured growth of submerged macrophytes. Total phosphorus and total nitrogen also influenced the growth and community composition of macrophytes (p < 0.01), while Chla was an indirectly affecting factor by reducing underwater light penetration. Wave height significantly influenced plant abundance (p < 0.01), whereas it had little effect on the biomass (p > 0.05). The key to restore the macrophyte beds in the lake is to reduce the nutrient loading. A decrease of the water level may contribute as well in the shallow bays but will not bring plants back in the main part of the lake. As the tolerance of shade and nutrients varied among the species studied, this should be taken into account in the restoration of lakes by addition of plants.