Reducing nutrient pollution in water systems in China: challenges, trends and solutions

Summary:

Intensive human activities in China have led to considerable nutrient losses to aquatic ecosystems, causing water pollution. This situation may worsen in the future. This PhD thesis aims to improve our understanding of nutrient pollution in water systems in China, with a focus on the challenges, trends, and solutions. The NUFER and MARINA models are used.
Results show that in the recent past, nutrient losses from food production increased dramatically in China. To meet critical nutrient loads, river export of nutrients to Lake Taihu (a case study) needs to be reduced by 46-92%. Nutrient losses from food production to water systems in the future may increase as affected by global change. Current policies aimed at zero growth in fertilizer use are not effective in reducing water pollution in China. Effective options to reduce water pollution are improved nutrient management in agriculture and sewage systems, efficient food consumption, and climate mitigation.