Spatial changes and driving factors of lake water quality in Inner Mongolia, China

Lakes play important roles in sustaining the ecosystem and economic development in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China,but the spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of water quality in lakes so far remain unclear.This study aimed to identify the spatial changes in water quality and the driving factors of seven lakes(Juyanhai Lake,Ulansuhai Lake,Hongjiannao Lake,Daihai Lake,Chagannaoer Lake,Hulun Lake,and Wulannuoer Lake)across the longitudinal axis(from the west to the east)of Inner Mongolia.Large-scale research was conducted using the comprehensive trophic level index(TLI(Σ)),multivariate statistics,and spatial analysis methods.The results showed that most lakes in Inner Mongolia were weakly alkaline.Total dissolved solids and salinity of lake water showed obvious zonation characteristics.Nitrogen and phosphorus were identified as the main pollutants in lakes,with high average concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus being of 4.05 and 0.21 mg/L,respectively.The values of TLI(Σ)ranged from 49.14 to 71.77,indicating varying degrees of lake eutrophication,and phosphorus was the main driver of lake eutrophication.The lakes of Inner Mongolia could be categorized into lakes to the west of Daihai Lake and lakes to the east of Daihai Lake in terms of salinity and TLI(Σ).The salinity levels of lakes to the west of Daihai Lake exceeded those of lakes to the east of Daihai Lake,whereas the opposite trend was observed for lake trophic level.The intensity and mode of anthropogenic activities were the driving factors of the spatial patterns of lake water quality.It is recommended to control the impact of anthropogenic activities on the water quality of lakes in Inner Mongolia to improve lake ecological environment.These findings provide a more thorough understanding of the driving mechanism of the spatial patterns of water quality in lakes of Inner Mongolia,which can be used to develop strategies for lake ecosystem protection and water resources management in this region.

乌梁素海悬浮颗粒物和沉积物有机碳同位素特征及来源

悬浮颗粒物和沉积物是湖泊有机污染物的主要承载物质,其稳定同位素研究对有效识别有机质污染导致的湖泊富营养化具有重要意义.本研究选取乌梁素海为研究区,于2019年4月(融冰期)、7月(夏灌期)和10月(秋灌期)对湖区及入湖渠道的表层沉积物和悬浮颗粒物中有机碳的δ13 C、C/N比及总有机碳(TOC、POC)和总氮(TON、PON)含量进行测定分析,联合采用δ13 C、C/N及同位素多元混合模型研究湖泊有机碳来源及其贡献率.结果表明,乌梁素海悬浮颗粒物有机碳δ13 C POC的变化范围为-23.29‰~-29.75‰,呈现10月>4月>7月、入湖渠道>湖区的趋势,悬浮颗粒物POC/PON比变化范围为4.10~21.35,呈现出4月<7月<10月的时间变化,悬浮颗粒有机质主要来源于浮游植物(51.59%)、入湖渠道泥沙(34.60%)和大型水生植物(13.76%).沉积物有机碳δ13 C TOC变化范围为-27.58‰~-22.68‰,呈现4月<10月<7月的变化,沉积物TOC/TON比变化范围为3.06~23.77,时空变化明显,沉积物有机质则主要源于入湖渠道挟带的泥沙,贡献达72.79%以上,而浮游植物与大型水生植物的贡献率相差较小,分别为11.85%和15.36%.本研究可以初步判定受入湖渠道影响的富营养化湖泊中悬浮颗粒物和沉积物有机碳来源,为改善湖泊有机污染和研究有机碳来源提供更多理解.