Response of eutrophication and water quality drivers on greenhouse gas emissions in lakes of China: A critical analysis

Abstract

AbstractLakes, especially shallow lakes, contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas (GHG; particularly CO2 and CH4) emissions and have received global attention due to their high potential to contribute to global warming and future climate change. Recent studies have identified eutrophication as a critical factor in GHG emissions. However, the role of lake trophic state index (TSI) and the impact of important water quality parameters (WQP) such as pH, Chl‐a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and organic carbon on GHG emissions are still a subject of debate and an area of intense research. To further understand the relationship between GHG and lake eutrophication, datasets (GHG and WQP) from the scientific literature have been compiled, and statistical analyses of these secondary data were performed to determine the influence of eutrophication on GHG emissions. In this review, GHG emissions from Chinese lakes are quantified, and the important factors affecting these emissions are analysed systematically. The statistical analysis reveals that chlorophyll a and carbon (as TOC) are the key factors of lake eutrophication and have a significant effect on the GHG potential (mainly CH4 fluxes). In addition, the proposed mitigation measures could serve as a guide for scientists and young researchers to reduce future climatic risks.