Author(s): Didi Song; Chen Zhang
Linked Author(s): Chen Zhang
Keywords: Quatic vegetation Biodiversity Dominant species Aquatic ecological effects
Abstract: Aquatic vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and ecosystem stability, serving as a natural mediator for nutrient cycling and pollution reduction in freshwater systems. However, despite its importance, research in aquatic vegetation often faces challenges in quantifying its dynamic interactions with hydrological processes and pollutant load reduction, with current studies lacking comprehensive models to optimize plant-based water purification under varying environmental conditions. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the spatial and temporal dynamics of aquatic vegetation in the Yuqiao Reservoir forebay and its role in total phosphorus (TP) reduction, while optimizing hydraulic regulation strategies under varying hydrological conditions. To resolve this issue, this study conducted a 2-year-long field survey from September 2021 to September 2023 to examine the distribution, seasonal variations, and dominant species of aquatic vegetation in the Yuqiao Reservoir forebay, identifying key vegetation types such as lotus (7.5–9.8%), reed and cattail (31.7–38.7%), and submerged plants such as Potamogeton malaianus (0.9–1.0%) along with their spatial coverage rates across different forebay zones and seasons ranging from less than 1% in certain areas to 100% in others, with seasonal coverage peaking in summer (49.1%) and winter (45.6%). Additionally, a 3D hydrodynamic-water quality model was applied to simulate 27 operational scenarios under varying hydrological conditions, evaluating the effects of vegetation growth and total phosphorus (TP) load reduction. Based on these simulations, optimal hydraulic regulation schemes were developed, recommending specific gate operation schedules for normal, dry, and wet years to enhance TP removal efficiency and water purification performance in the forebay. These findings provide a basis for refining forebay operations to enhance water purification and mitigate pollution in regulated water systems.
Year: 2025