The Ecological Degradation and Restoration of Baiyangdian Lake, China

Systematic investigations into the distribution of aquatic species and variation of community structure in Baiyangdian Lake, the largest natural freshwater body in the Northern China Plain, were conducted during 1993–1994. Water quality of this shallow and eutrophic lake was assessed by qualitative and quantitative analyses of aquatic communities. Chemical and biological data in 1990s were compared with data from 1950s, 1970s and 1980s. Results from this research showed that Baiyangdian Lake was highly enriched by ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) at the present time. The negative responses to increase degradation included: (1) a clear decrease in biodiversity; (2) a dramatic increase in individual abundance of tolerant species; and (3) a great decline in aquatic products in the recent years. A demonstration project for water pollution control and ecological restoration in Baiyangdian Lake is proposed.