Modeling Nutrient Flows in Lake Ecosystems: From Source Identification to Effective Water Management

Summary

I focused on modeling nutrient flows in lake ecosystems. The main objective of my PhD thesis was to better understand how to reduce nutrient pollution in lakes, which causes harmful algae growth and damages lake ecosystems. I identified the most polluted areas in watersheds, evaluated practical measures to reduce nutrient runoff, and studied how lakes respond internally to reduced nutrient inputs. My research was based on modeling tools for lake ecosystems (PCLake), hydrological responses (SWAT), and nutrient management (MARINA). I studied the following lakes: Lake Erhai and Lake Taihu. The findings showed that targeted management can considerably reduce nutrient loads, but lake recovery can be slow due to nutrients already stored inside the lake sediments. Future scenarios project that nature-based solutions can help maintain water quality, but integrated strategies are needed to tackle both current and future pollution under climate change.