Cascade hydropower stations frequently lead to supersaturated total dissolved gases (TDGs), harming aquatic organisms. In deep reservoirs, thermal stratification and upstream inflow slow TDG release. Using a two-dimensional model of Baihetan Reservoir, we found: (1) thermal stratification remains intact but deepens with increasing inflow; (2) the thermocline restricts supersaturated water movement; and (3) after inflow stops, stratification persists and TDG recovery varies by depth. Overall, the reservoir’s thermal structure critically influences supersaturated water transport and distribution, providing insights into TDG management in deep reservoir operations.
Wang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.