Unraveling Causal Drivers of Eutrophication in Chao Lake: A Three-Decade Analysis of Land Use, Climate, and Chlorophyll-A Dynamics

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is a critical indicator of freshwater ecosystem health, reflecting phytoplankton biomass and primary productivity. This study investigates the long-term dynamics of Chl-a concentrations in Chao Lake, China, over three decades (1993–2023), employing an integrated approach combining remote sensing, causality, and comprehensive land use and climate data analysis. Our findings reveal a dramatic 175% increase in Chl-a levels, from 37.26 km2 (1.71%) in 1993 to 102.41 km2 (4.71%) in 2023, highlighting the ongoing eutrophication crisis. Significant correlations were established between land cover changes and Chl-a dynamics, with built-up areas exhibiting a positive correlation of 0.763 with Chl-a. In contrast, vegetation cover showed an inverse correlation of −0.766. Rising land surface temperatures (LST) increased by 1.8 °C from 1993 to 2023, significantly affecting nutrient cycling and algal bloom proliferation. Precipitation trends indicate a decline of approximately 10% over the study period, further exacerbating hydrological stress and nutrient concentrations. Employing Convergent and Geographic Convergent cross-mapping, we established robust causal relationships, confirming that urbanization and climate variability are primary drivers of Chl-a fluctuations. These findings stress the urgent need for targeted management strategies to mitigate nutrient loading and improve water quality in Chao Lake.