Effect of personalized spinal profile on its biomechanical response in an EMG-assisted optimization musculoskeletal model of the trunk

Recent developments in musculoskeletal (MS) modeling have been geared towards model customization. Personalization of the spine profile could affect estimates of spinal loading and stability, particularly in the upright standing posture where large inter-subject variations in the lumbar lordosis have been reported. This study investigates the biomechanical consequences of changes in the spinal profile. In 31 participants (healthy and with back pain), (1) the spine external profile was measured, (2) submaximal contractions were recorded in a dynamometer to calibrate the EMG-driven MS model and finally (3) static lifting in the upright standing challenging spine stability while altering load position and magnitude were considered. EMG signals of 12 trunk muscles and angular kinematics of 17 segments were recorded. For each participant, the MS model was constructed using either a generic or a personalized spinal profile and 17 biomechanical outcomes were computed, including individual muscle forces, ratios of muscle group forces, spinal loading and stability parameters. According to the ANOVA results and corresponding effect sizes, personalizing the spine profile induced medium and large effects on about half MS model outcomes related to the trunk muscle forces and negligible to small effects on spinal loading and stability as more aggregate outcomes. These effects are explained by personalized spine profiles that were a little more in extension as well as more pronounced spine curvatures (lordosis and kyphosis). These findings suggest that spine profile personalization should be considered in MS spine modeling as it may impact muscle force prediction and spinal loading.

Bloom-induced internal release controlling phosphorus dynamics in large shallow eutrophic Lake Taihu, China

High phosphorus (P) concentrations are commonly observed in lakes during algal blooms despite massive efforts on external nutrient reduction. However, the knowledge about the relative contribution of internal P loading linked with algal blooms on lake phosphorus (P) dynamics remains limited. To quantify the effect of internal loading on P dynamics, we conducted extensive spatial and multi-frequency nutrient monitoring from 2016 to 2021 in Lake Taihu, a large shallow eutrophic lake in China, and its tributaries (2017-2021). The in-lake P stores (ILSP) and external loading were estimated and then internal P loading was quantified from the mass balance equation. The results showed that the in-lake total P stores (ILSTP) ranged from 398.5 to 1530.2 tons (t), and exhibited a dramatic intra- and inter-annual variability. The annual internal TP loading released from sediment ranged from 1054.3 to 1508.4 t, which was equivalent to 115.6% (TP loading) of the external inputs on average, and responsible for the fluctuations of ILSTP on a weekly scale. High-frequency observations exemplified that ILSTP increased by 136.4% during algal blooms in 2017, while by only 47.2% as a result of external loading after heavy precipitation in 2020. Our study demonstrated that both bloom-induced internal loading and storm-induced external loading are likely to run counter significantly to watershed nutrient reduction efforts in large shallow lakes. More importantly, bloom-induced internal loading is higher than storm-induced external loading over the short term. Given the positive feedback loop between internal P loadings and algal bloom in eutrophic lakes, which explains the significant fluctuation of P concentration while nitrogen concentration decreased. It is emphasized that internal loading and ecosystem restoration are unignorable in shallow lakes, particularly in the algal-dominated region.

Nutrient reduction mitigated the expansion of cyanobacterial blooms caused by climate change in Lake Taihu according to Bayesian network models

Although nutrient reduction has been used for lake eutrophication mitigation worldwide, the use of this practice alone has been shown to be less effective in combatting cyanobacterial blooms, primarily because of climate change. In addition, quantifying the climate change contribution to cyanobacterial blooms is difficult, further complicating efforts to set nutrient reduction goals for mitigating blooms in freshwater lakes. This study employed a continuous variable Bayesian modeling framework to develop a model to predict spring cyanobacterial bloom areas and frequencies (the responses) using nutrient levels and climatic factors as predictors. Our results suggested that both spring climatic factors (e.g., increasing temperature and decreasing wind speed) and nutrients (e.g., total phosphorus) played vital roles in spring blooms in Lake Taihu, with climatic factors being the primary drivers for both bloom areas and frequencies. Climate change in spring had a 90% probability of increasing the bloom area from 35 km² to 180 km² during our study period, while nutrient reduction limited the bloom area to 170 km², which helped mitigate expansion of cyanobacterial blooms. For lake management, to ensure a 90% probability of the mean spring bloom areas remaining under 154 km² (the 75th percentile of the bloom areas in spring), the total phosphorus should be maintained below 0.073 mg·L^-1 under current climatic conditions, which is a 46.3% reduction from the current level. Our modeling approach is an effective method for deriving dynamic nutrient thresholds for lake management under different climatic scenarios and management goals.

In situ remediation mechanism of internal nitrogen and phosphorus regeneration and release in shallow eutrophic lakes by combining multiple remediation techniques

Large anthropogenic inputs of N and P alter the nutrient cycle and exacerbate global eutrophication problems in aquatic ecosystems. This study in Lake Datong, China, investigates the remediation mechanism of multiple remediation technique combinations (dredging, adsorbent amendment, and planting aquatic vegetation) on sediment N and P loads based on two high-resolution sampling techniques (HR-Peeper and DGT) and P sequential extraction procedures. The results showed that high temperature and low dissolved oxygen considerably enhanced pore water dissolved reactive P (DRP) and NH₄⁺ concentrations attributable to abundant Fe-P and organic matter content in the sediment. Fe reduction is critical for regulating pore water DRP release and promoting N removal. Overall, for Lake Datong, combining multiple remediation techniques is more effective in controlling sediment P loads (pore water DRP, P fluxes, forms of P, and labile P), from a long-term perspective, than a single remediation. Lanthanum-modified bentonite (LMB) inactivation treatment can transfer mobile P in the surface sediment into more refractory forms over time, thereby reducing the risk of sediment labile P release. However, it is difficult to effectively remediate internal P loads owing to inappropriate dredging depths and low biomass of aquatic vegetation. Future lake restoration practices should optimize the selection of different remediation technique combinations based on internal N and P pollution characteristics, while reducing external wastewater input. These results are important for understanding the remediation mechanisms of internal N and P and provide suggestions for sediment management of shallow eutrophic lakes.

Quantifying the effects of submerged aquatic vegetation on internal loading in lake: A modeling study of the largest shallow lake in North China

Shallow lakes are greatly influenced by submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), which affects hydraulic and water quality during their entire life cycle. An integrated model was developed based on the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC), which considers the dynamic bottom roughness and sediment release flux related to SAV growth and decomposition. Model results of hydrodynamics, water quality, and sediment-P release in Baiyangdian Lake (BL) were analyzed with and without the SAV module. The results showed that SAV played a critical and alterable role in regulating the internal loading in lakes. During the period of exponential growth, SAV reduced the velocity and sediment-P release in Zaozhadian by 20 % and 12 %, respectively. During the period of senescence, SAV reduced the velocity by 19 % and increased sediment-P release by 49 %, which was mainly attributed to dissolved oxygen (DO) consumption during residue decomposition. To mitigate the adverse effects of SAV on internal loading, measures should be taken to control the growth of SAV and ensure timely salvage before decomposition.

Salinization as a driver of eutrophication symptoms in an urban lake (Lake Wilcox, Ontario, Canada)

Lake Wilcox (LW), a shallow kettle lake located in southern Ontario, has experienced multiple phases of land use change associated with human settlement and residential development in its watershed since the early 1900s. Urban growth has coincided with water quality deterioration, including the occurrence of algal blooms and depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water column. We analyzed 22 years of water chemistry, land use, and climate data (1996-2018) using principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) to identify the contributions of climate, urbanization, and nutrient loading to the changes in water chemistry. Variations in water column stratification, phosphorus (P) speciation, and chl-a (as a proxy for algal abundance) explain 76 % of the observed temporal trends of the four main PCA components derived from water chemistry data. MLR results further imply that the intensity of stratification, quantified by the Brunt-Väisälä frequency, is a major predictor of the changes in water quality. Other important factors explaining the variations in nitrogen (N) and P speciation, and the DO concentrations, are watershed imperviousness and lake chloride concentrations that, in turn, are closely correlated. We conclude that the observed in-lake water quality trends over the past two decades are linked to urbanization via increased salinization associated with expanding impervious land cover, rather than increasing external P loading. The rising salinity promotes water column stratification, which reduces the oxygenation of the hypolimnion and enhances internal P loading to the water column. Thus, stricter controls on the application and runoff of de-icing salt should be considered as part of managing eutrophication symptoms in lakes of cold climate regions.

Patterns of internal nitrogen and phosphorus loadings in a cascade reservoir with a large water level gradient: Effects of reservoir operation and water depth

Internal nutrient loadings pose a high risk of being an additional N and P source, exacerbating eutrophication and deteriorating water quality. In this study, we selected the Daheiting Reservoir (DHTR) in North China, with a pronounced water level gradient, to investigate internal N and P loadings, estimate N and P fluxes across the sediment‒water interface based on the pore water profiles, and reveal the potential effects of water discharge from an upstream reservoir and high-intensity cage aquaculture on the risks of internal N and P release. The results indicated that DHTR presented with severe internal nutrient loadings, and the N and P fluxes showed significant spatiotemporal variations. NH₄⁺-N and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) fluxes were higher in deep areas (averages of 26.14 and 9.9 mgm^-2d^-1, respectively) than in shallow areas near inflows (averages of 5.0 and 1.24 mgm^-2d^-1, respectively). Unexpectedly, the estimated NH₄⁺-N and SRP fluxes were the lowest in summer (averages of 3.94 and 0.33 mgm^-2d^-1, respectively), which may have been influenced by seasonal thermal stratification and copious discharge from the hypolimnion of the upstream reservoir (Panjiakou Reservoir). Comparison of annual internal and external N and P loadings revealed that water discharge from the upstream Panjiakou Reservoir was the dominant source of N and P to the reservoir, contributing up to 83.6% of N input and 55.4% of P input. The internal P loading also contributed to water eutrophication to a great extent, accounting for 34.7% of the total P input. Our results highlight the impact of upstream reservoir discharge operation on downstream reservoir water quality and the importance of controlling the internal nutrient loading in cascade reservoirs, and further provide theoretical and practical foundations for the development of policies and strategies to conserve reservoir ecosystems.

Internal nitrogen and phosphorus loading in a seasonally stratified reservoir: Implications for eutrophication management of deep-water ecosystems

Water eutrophication is a serious global issue because of excess external and internal nutrient inputs. Understanding the intensity and contribution of internal nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loading in deep-water ecosystems is of great significance for water body eutrophication management. In this study, we combined intact sediment core incubation, high-resolution peeper (HR-Peeper) sampling, and analysis of N and P forms and other environmental factors in the water column and sediments to evaluate the contributions of internal N and P loading to water eutrophication by N and P fluxes across the sediment-water interface (SWI) of the Panjiakou Reservoir (PJKR), a deep-water ecosystem where eutrophication threatens the security of the local drinking water supply in North China. The results indicated that the PJKR showed obvious thermal and dissolved oxygen (DO) stratification in the warm seasons and full mixing in the cold seasons. The mean DO concentration was 9.9 and 3.55 mg/L in the epilimnion and hypolimnion, respectively, in warm seasons and 10.7 mg/L in cold seasons. The sediment acted as a source of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), NH₄⁺-N, and NO₂^--N and a sink of NO₃^--N. The SRP fluxes were 5.28 ± 4.34 and 2.30 ± 1.93 mg m^-2·d^-1 in warm and cold seasons, respectively, and the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) fluxes were -0.66 ± 47.84 and 44.04 ± 84.05 mg m^-2·d^-1. Seasonal hypoxia accelerated the release of P rather than N from the sediments in warm seasons, which came mainly from Fe-P and Org-P under anoxic conditions. The strong negative NO₃^--N flux (diffusion from the water column to the sediment) implied an intensive denitrification process at the SWI, which can counteract the release flux of NH₄⁺-N and NO₂^--N, resulting in the sediment acting as a weak dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) source for the overlying water. We also found that internal N loading accounted for only ∼9% of the total N loading, while internal P loading accounted for 43% of the total P loading of the reservoir. Our results highlight that efforts to manage the internal loading of deep-water ecosystems should focus on P and seasonal hypoxia.

Limnological responses of a shallow tropical reservoir to recent incidence of hydro-climatic anomaly suggest potential challenges of future restoration efforts

The impact of El Niño-induced drought (2015/2016) on the limnology of Koka Reservoir was studied through a 1-year sampling with emphasis on nutrient concentration. The monthly concentration of riverine input of TP varied between 400 and 2872 mg/m³, with a total annual load to the reservoir of 482012 × 10⁶ mg. This resulted in annual areal load to the reservoir of 2410 mg/m². The mean annual in lake concentration of total phosphorus as predicted by the trophic state model specifically developed for warm tropical water bodies by Salas and Martino in 1991 was 146.6 mg/m³. This is only 24% of the observed concentration of 609 mg/m³ suggesting that internal recycling is sufficient to supply much of the phosphorus that sustain cyanobacterial growth. Koka Reservoir is a highly productive water body exhibiting a thick recurrent cyanobacterial bloom exclusively dominated by Microcystis spp. Mineralization of the Microcystis-bound phosphorus could be the major mechanism of phosphorus recycling following the collapse of the bloom. High water temperature and frequent mixing may have promoted this mechanism of phosphorus recycling from autochthonous sources. In our related study, we also reported the emergence and unusual dominance of diazotrophic cyanobacteria following the climate anomaly and the consequent severe nitrogen limitation. The emergence of cyanobacteria that can fulfill their nitrogen requirement from the atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) and the possibility of large phosphorus reserve in the sediment could make future restoration efforts very challenging.

Phosphorus internal loading and sediment diagenesis in a large eutrophic lake (Lake Chaohu, China)

Sediment phosphorus (P) release and retention are important in controlling whole-system P dynamics and budget in eutrophic lakes. Here we combine short- (seasonal) and long-term (years to decades) studies to quantify the internal P loading and P release potential in the sediments of Lake Chaohu and explore their controlling mechanisms. In the west region of the lake, short-term P diffusive fluxes ranged from 0.2 mg/m²·d^-1 to 6.69 mg/m²·d^-1 (averaged 2.76 mg/m²·d^-1) and long-term net P release ranged from 2.25 mg/m²·d^-1 to 8.94 mg/m²·d^-1 (averaged 5.34 mg/m²·d^-1); in the east region, short-term P diffusive fluxes varied from 0.73 mg/m²·d^-1 to 1.76 mg/m²·d^-1 (averaged 1.05 mg/m²·d^-1) and long-term P release ranged from 0.13 mg/m²·d^-1 to 4.15 mg/m²·d^-1 (averaged 1.3 mg/m²·d^-1). Both short- and long-term P releases were in the same order of magnitudes as the external P inputs (3.56 mg/m²·d^-1). Comparison of the long-term and short-term sediment P release indicates that while the high summer P release in the east might only represent a snapshot value, the sediments in the west contribute to large P release for years or even decades, impeding water quality recovery under lake management. Mobilization of surface sediment legacy P accounted for 81% of short-term P release. The long-term release was dominated by remobilization of iron bond P (BD-P) (average 52.1%) at all sites, while Aluminium-bound P (NaOH-rP) exhibited partly reactive and potentially mobile, releasing P to the water column in most sites in the west. Our study demonstrates the importance of sediments as P sources in lake Chaohu. The combination of short- and long-term P release studies can help understand the roles of sediments in regulating the water quality and eutrophication.

A 25-year retrospective analysis of factors influencing success of aluminum treatment for lake restoration

For more than 50 years, aluminum (Al)-salts have been used with varying degrees of success to inactivate excess mobile phosphorus (P) in lake sediments and restore lake water quality. Here, we analyzed the factors influencing effectiveness and longevity of Al-treatments performed in six Swedish lakes over the past 25 years. Trends in post-treatment measurements of total phosphorus (TP), Chlorophyll a (Chl_a), Secchi disk depth (SD) and internal P loading rates (Li) were analyzed and compared to pre-treatment conditions. All measured water quality parameters improved significantly during at least the first 4 years post-treatment and determination of direct effects of Al-treatment on sediment P release (Li) was possible for three lakes. Improvements in TP (-29 to -80%), Chl_a (-50 to -78%), SD (7 to 121%) and Li (-68 to -94%) were observed. Treatment longevity, determined via decreases in surface water TP after treatment, varied from 7 to >47 years. Lake type, Al dose, and relative watershed area were related to longevity. In addition, greater binding efficiency between Al and P was positively related to treatment longevity, which has not previously been shown. Our findings also demonstrate that adequate, long-term monitoring programs, including proper determination of external loads, are crucial to document the effect of Al-treatment on sediment P release and lake water quality.

A biogeochemical approach to evaluate the optimization and effectiveness of hypolimnetic withdrawal

Hypolimnetic withdrawal (HW) is a lake restoration method that is based on the removal of phosphorus (P) along with near-bottom water. While it has often proven to be effective, the method also sets challenges: it is about balancing between effective P removal and maintenance of the thermal stratification of the lake. The success of different HW projects has been reviewed in some studies retrospectively, but scientific literature still lacks studies that use detailed data on the lake biogeochemistry to scale and optimize the method in advance, and to predict the outcomes of the restoration measure. In the current study, we investigated the seasonal biogeochemistry, P stocks and thermal stratification of a eutrophic lake (Lake Kymijärvi/Myllypohja basin, southern Finland) to determine an optimal withdrawal rate, to assess its effects on stratification, and to evaluate the expected success of HW. We found that by adjusting HW with P diffusive fluxes from the sediment (diffusion-adjusted HW), it is possible to remove a notable part of the cycling P without causing major disturbances to the thermal stratification even in a relatively shallow lake. Our results show that HW can have great potential in lake restoration: diffusion-adjusted HW in our study lake could increase the annual P output by 35-46%, shifting the P budget of the lake to negative. We thus propose a novel approach to optimize HW on the basis of the diffusive flux of P from the sediment, with the goal of extracting P continuously at an equivalent rate to the diffusive flux. We finally discuss how this can be achieved more effectively with HW based on a closed-circuit system.

Contrasting effects and mode of dredging and in situ adsorbent amendment for the control of sediment internal phosphorus loading in eutrophic lakes

Dredging and in situ adsorbent inactivation are two methods which are frequently used in eutrophic water bodies such as ponds, lakes and estuaries to control internal phosphorus (P) loading from sediments. However, their effects and modes on the control of sediment P loading has been seldom compared. In this study, a long-term sediment core incubation experiment in the field was undertaken to investigate changes in sediment P loading (P fluxes, supply ability and forms of P and transformation) comparing two remediation techniques, that of lanthanum-modified bentonite (LMB) addition or dredging to a control. A 360-day field investigation indicated that LMB addition more effectively reduced pore water P concentrations and sediment P fluxes than dredging in comparison with the control. On average, dredging and in situ LMB inactivation reduced the P flux by 82% and 90%, respectively relative to the control sediment. Whilst both the LMB inactivation and dredging can reduce the mobile P concentration, the impact of LMB in reducing mobile P was demonstrated to be more prolonged than that of dredging after 360 days. The P fraction composition in the LMB inactivated sediment differed significantly from the dredged and control sediment. Contrary to physical removal of dredging, chemical transformation of sediment mobile P and Al-P into Ca-P is the main function mode of LMB for sediment internal P control. Both LMB addition and dredging caused changes in the composition of sediment bacterial communities. Whilst LMB addition increased bacterial diversity, dredging temporarily reduced it. This study indicates that in situ inactivation by LMB is superior to dredging in the long-term control of sediment P loading.

Retention of nitrogen and phosphorus in Lake Chaohu, China: implications for eutrophication management

Nutrient retention is an important process in lake nutrient cycling of lakes and can mitigate lake eutrophication. However, little is known about temporal lake nutrient retention efficiency and it varies due to changes in hydrological, ecological, and nutrient inputs to lake waters. Quantitative information about seasonal lake N and P retention is critical for developing strategies to reduce eutrophication in lake systems. This study investigated TN and TP retention efficiencies and retention masses using water and mass balance calculations, and statistically analyzed the seasonal variability of nutrient retention in Lake Chaohu, China, from 2014 to 2018. Lake Chaohu experienced large amounts of external loads inputs (23.2 g N m^-2 year^-1 and 1.3 g P m^-2 year^-1), and approximately 58% TN and 48% TP were retained annually. The lake acted more as a sink for N than for P. The mean annual TP retention efficiency decreased (P < 0.05) over the study period, indicating that TP retention capacity was gradually exceeded. Seasonal variability of TN and TP retention efficiency was high and ranged from - 18.7 to 144.1% and from - 58.8 to 170.7%, respectively, over the five study years. The internal P loads over the study period were equivalent to roughly 9% of the total external loads. The annual nutrient retention efficiency of TN and TP increased with hydraulic residence time, while water temperature was an essential factor for the contrasting seasonal variation patterns of TN and TP retention efficiencies.

Optimization of aluminum treatment efficiency to control internal phosphorus loading in eutrophic lakes

Historical accumulation of phosphorus (P) in lake sediment often contributes to and sustains eutrophic conditions in lakes, even when external sources of P are reduced. The most cost-effective and commonly used method to restore the balance between P and P-binding metals in the sediment is aluminum (Al) treatment. The binding efficiency of Al, however, has varied greatly among treatments conducted over the past five decades, resulting in substantial differences in the amount of P bound per unit Al. We analyzed sediment from seven previously Al treated Swedish lakes to investigate factors controlling binding efficiency. In contrast to earlier work, lake morphology was negatively correlated to binding efficiency, meaning that binding efficiency was higher in lakes with steeply sloping bathymetry than in lakes with more gradually sloping bottoms. This was likely due to Al generally being added directly into the sediment, and not to the water column. Higher binding efficiencies were detected when Al was applied directly into the sediment, whereas the lowest binding efficiency was detected where Al was instead added to the water column. Al dose, mobile sediment P and lake morphology together explained 87% of the variation in binding efficiency among lakes where Al was added directly into the sediment. This led to the development of a model able to predict the optimal Al dose to maximize binding efficiency based on mobile sediment P mass and lake morphology. The predictive model can be used to evaluate cost-effectiveness and potential outcomes when planning Al-treatment using direct sediment application to restore water quality in eutrophic lakes.

Effect of temperature on phosphorus flux from anoxic western Lake Erie sediments

The western basin of Lake Erie experiences annual Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which degrade water quality, threaten drinking water supplies, and deter recreation. The size of HABs in Lake Erie is highly correlated with the external loading of phosphorus (P) from a major tributary, the Maumee River, during spring and summer months. Because HAB size is largely explained by external loading, the contribution of P from lake sediments (internal loading) is considered to be minimal. However, if lake sediments become warmer and more hypoxic or anoxic in response to climate change, the relative contribution of internal P loading from sediments may become greater. In this study, we examined the potential effect of elevated lake temperatures on internal loading of P under anoxic conditions. Sediment cores were collected during Summer 2014 from 4 locations in the western basin of Lake Erie ranging from highly productive areas near Maumee Bay to less productive offshore areas. Cores were incubated for 4 days under anoxic conditions under different temperatures (10 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C). P flux varied greatly between temperature treatments and sites. Average P flux at 20 °C and 30 °C were 2 and 14 times higher respectively, than for cores incubated at 10 °C. The site closest to the mouth of the Maumee River had the highest P flux, 10 times higher than the furthest site, and highest total P concentration in the surface sediment, 2 times higher than the furthest site, suggesting a gradient of sediment P characteristics associated with the Maumee River plume. Extrapolating these fluxes across the western basin suggests that with four days of anoxia at 30 °C, lake sediments could contribute ∼415 metric tons of dissolved P, which is equivalent to the springtime dissolved P loading from the Maumee River for 2011, the second-largest HAB on record.

Does external phosphorus loading diminish the effect of sediment dredging on internal phosphorus loading? An in-situ simulation study

Sediment dredging is an effective method to reduce internal phosphorus (P) loading of eutrophic lakes. However, external P loading may diminish the longevity of the effect of sediment dredging on P internal loading, and the mechanism of the same is unclear. Here, we used one-year in-situ simulation experiments to study the migration and transformation processes of P under the effect of external loading (suspended particle matter, SPM) input and internal loading control by dredging. The results showed that dredging can effectively reduce the internal loading and mobility of P, increase the P adsorption and retention capacity of the sediment, and improve the oxidation environment at the sediment-water interface (SWI), thus, inhibiting the release of internal P. The input of SPM, however, can significantly inhibit the above processes and increase the risk of P resupply and release. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and the P resupply capacity (R) are the key factors affecting the P flux across the SWI. Therefore, it is necessary to control the input of SPM to effectively inhibit eutrophication after dredging. More measures to control the input of SPM, such as establishing buffer zones, ecological wetlands, and forebays, should be explored and applied.

A comparison of aluminum dosing methods for reducing sediment phosphorus release in lakes

Aluminum (Al) treatment is one of the most commonly used approaches to reduce internal phosphorus (P) loading in lakes. However, the adequate amount of Al that should be added to permanently inactivate mobile (releasable) sediment P can be determined using many different methods. These methods differ substantially in their specified design sediment depth, targeted P pool(s), and expected binding ratio. In this study, Al doses for inactivating sediment P in Beung Gii Lake of Thailand were determined using the most commonly used methods reported in literature and then compared. Experimental procedures included sediment P fractionation, Al assay experiments, and a geochemical model. Mobile P was detected in the lake's sediment at 2.52, 5.42, and 7.65 g/m² in the upper 4, 10, and 15 cm, respectively, with additional P contained in labile organic form. Comparing the resulting Al doses for the lake, it was found they varied by nearly an order of magnitude (45-306 g Al/m²). This result highlights the importance of choosing a dosing method, because such a range of Al doses would likely result in highly variable levels of effectiveness and longevity, including both under- and overdosing. Based on the results of this study and a review of literature, a conservative, fixed ratio between Al and mobile plus labile organic sediment P (11:1) is recommended. All potentially releasable P (both mobile organic and inorganic forms) within the active sediment layer should be used to determine the total Al dose. Finally, the calculated Al dose in most cases will need to be split into sub-doses, based on lake morphology and total Al dose, to ensure maximum binding efficiency. Al dosing strategy should seek to minimize the risk for overdosing, maximize binding efficiency, and ensure all potentially releasable P forms are targeted during treatment.

Contrasting exchanges of nitrogen and phosphorus across the sediment-water interface during the drying and re-inundation of littoral eutrophic sediment

High water level fluctuations (WLFs) lead to periodic drying and re-inundation of sediments in the littoral area of eutrophic lakes. In this study, a series of littoral sediment cores were dried for different periods (5-30 d) and rewetted for 48 h. The sediment cores that dried for 30 d were then re-inundated for 90 d. The exchanges of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) across the sediment-water interface (SWI) and the mechanisms were studied. The results showed that ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) fluxes increased after 5-25 d of drying, which was followed by an obvious decrease after 30 d of drying. The decreased NH₄⁺-N fluxes remained at low levels during the 90 d re-inundation period. The soluble reactive P (SRP) fluxes decreased significantly after 15 d of drying. However, further re-inundation increased the SRP fluxes to their initial levels. The decreased water content and porosity, the oxidation of the sediment during drying, and the associated transformations of the N and P fractions in the sediment from drying to re-inundation influenced the exchanges of NH₄⁺-N and SRP across the SWI. The decrease of labile NH₄⁺-N in the sediment during drying was non-reversible, while the transformations between redox sensitive P (Fe-P) and aluminum-bound P were more likely to be reversible from drying to re-inundation. The increase of Fe-P during drying and dissolution of Fe-P during the re-inundation were responsible for the development of SRP fluxes from drying to re-inundation. Therefore, the periodic drying and re-inundation of the littoral eutrophic sediments reduced the release of NH₄⁺-N but accelerated the release of SRP from the sediment. This should be given more consideration for the remediation and management of eutrophication in the lake and other similar lakes with high WLFs.

Towards integrated management of a shallow tropical lake: assessment of water quality, sediment geochemistry, and phytoplankton diversity in Lake Palakpakin, Philippines

The limited carrying capacities of shallow tropical lakes render them more vulnerable to ecological problems like eutrophication. Unregulated human activities such as unsustainable aquaculture and urbanization can alter ecosystem dynamics rapidly, and this warrants more comprehensive researches than what has been previously conducted. Here, we presented an integrated assessment of the nutrient dynamics, phytoplankton diversity, and sediment geochemistry in Lake Palakpakin, a shallow tropical lake of volcanic origin, to understand its deteriorating ecological state. Water, phytoplankton, and sediment samples were collected, and in situ water quality measurements were done during wet and dry seasons in four critical areas in the lake, namely, the inlet, center, sanctuary, and outlet. Results revealed that high light extinction coefficient (1.13 m^-1), high turbidity (28 NTU), high phosphate concentration (> 2.0.5 mg/L), and the abundance of Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena helicoidea, and Lyngbya sp. indicate that from a relatively healthy lake in 2008, Lake Palakpakin has become a eutrophic to hypereutrophic freshwater body. High concentrations of available nutrients such as N and P were detected in the center and sanctuary sediments, which drive the internal nutrient loading in the lake. We recommend that management efforts be directed towards a whole-ecosystem approach in addressing the problem of eutrophication, especially in shallow tropical lakes.

Climatically-modulated decline in wind speed may strongly affect eutrophication in shallow lakes

Surface wind speed has declined significantly globally. However, the response of aquatic systems to decreasing wind speeds has received little attention. We examined the effects of a long-term decrease in wind speed on shallow, eutrophic Lake Taihu, China's third largest lake, by combining high-frequency monitoring, long-term meteorological and water quality data with short-term laboratory sediment nutrient release experiments. The annual mean wind speed showed a significant decreasing trend and the maximum continuous days with wind speed <3 m/s increased significantly from 1996 to 2017. The high-frequency monitoring data showed that bottom water hypoxia occurred occasionally in summer and autumn. The water quality data combined with the experimental results suggest that lower wind speed and longer low wind duration can enhance the release of phosphorus (P) from the sediments and increase nitrogen (N) losses, likely via denitrification, because a longer stability period leads to lower dissolved oxygen concentrations near the lake bottom. The results of Bayesian functional Linear regression with Sparse Step functions (Bliss) indicated that wind speed during spring and summer strongly affected chlorophyll a (Chla) concentrations in the summer by enhancing the release of nutrients from the sediments. The results of the structural equation models indicated that declined wind speed might increase phytoplankton biomass (as Chla) by altering nutrient availability. Increasing water temperatures and decreasing wind speeds synergistically enhance water column stability, which may offset some of the immediate benefits of reductions in external nutrient loading by enhancing internal loading. Given predicted global change, it will become increasingly important to reduce the external nutrient loading for overall improvement of water quality in this and other shallow eutrophic lakes.

Internal Phosphorus Loading from the Bottom Sediments of a Dimictic Lake During Its Sustainable Restoration

The ribbon type Lake Durowskie (Western Poland) is currently undergoing a sustainable restoration process due to water quality deterioration, manifested in water blooms, low transparency, and oxygen deficits near the bottom sediments. Three restoration methods were applied: (i) hypolimnion aeration using two wind-driven pulverizing aerators installed at the deepest places, (ii) phosphorus inactivation using small doses of iron sulfate and magnesium chloride several times a year, and (iii) biomanipulation using pike fry stocking. Research on the exchange of phosphorus in the sediment-water interphase was conducted in the years 2009-2016 to determine the multiannual changes of internal phosphorus loading from bottom sediments during the restoration process. The sustainable approach resulted in a decrease of internal phosphorus loading and a gradual increase in the sorption capacity of bottom sediments, particularly noticeable in the last 2 years. The content of phosphorus in the sediment and in the interstitial water fluctuated, showing an increase during the first years of restoration and then a gradual decrease. It was proved that the process of sustainable restoration is cheap and does not interfere strongly with the ecosystem, although it is long-lasting. It should be continued for many years, especially in the case of continuous external loading of the lake with nutrients from the catchment area, i.e., until the water quality in the main tributary improves and the lake ecosystem stabilizes.

Sediment and nutrient distribution and resuspension in Lake Winnipeg

Severe algal blooms in Lake Winnipeg since the late 1990s have been attributed to increased watershed nutrient loading, much of which is associated with suspended particles. Within-lake transport and fate of this nutrient fraction and the importance of internal loading via resuspension, however, are unknown. We measured radioisotopes (⁷Be, ²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs), metal and nutrient contents of suspended solids in major tributaries and lake-water, in sediment traps and in bottom sediments to estimate sediment resuspension and mass accumulation rates using two models. Sedimentation rates calculated from ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb dated cores and sediment traps indicated that most (95-99%) suspended material is derived from bottom sediment; mixing models using⁷Be/²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs yielded similarly high estimates (82 and 84%, respectively). ¹³⁷Cs profiles in cores indicated that up to ~7cm remains actively resuspended for times up to 23years before incorporation into deeper sediments. Total and bioavailable phosphorus (TP, BAP) in this top sediment layer were generally lower in the North than the South Basin, likely reflecting inputs from the Assiniboine and Red Rivers at the southern end of Lake Winnipeg, with an average of ~30% TP as BAP. Estimates of average sediment-associated internal TP loading for the South Basin (0.264g/m²/y) were ~2× those for the North Basin (0.146g/m²/y). Together, this internal loading is comparable to the magnitude of the external loading. Our results indicate that surficial sediments in Lake Winnipeg will remain a significant and active source of internal nutrient loading for several decades, a process which may delay the response of the lake to external nutrient management.

Factors controlling phosphorus release from sediments in coastal archipelago areas

In coastal archipelago areas of the northern Baltic Sea, significantly higher phosphate concentrations (6.0±4.5μmol/l, mean±SD) were measured in water samples close to the sediment surface compared with those from 1m above the seafloor (1.6±2.0μmol/l). The results indicated notable phosphate release from sediments under the bottom water oxygen concentrations of up to 250μmol/l, especially in areas that had experienced recent temporal fluctuation between oxic and hypoxic/anoxic conditions. No single factor alone was found to control the elevated PO4-P concentrations in the near-bottom water. In addition to the oxygen in the water, the contents of potentially mobile phosphorus fractions, grain-size, the organic content at the sediment surface, and the water depth were all important factors controlling the internal loading of phosphorus. The complexity of this process needs to be accounted for in assessments of the internal loading of phosphorus and in potential mitigation plans.

The re-eutrophication of Lake Erie: Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia

Lake Erie supplies drinking water to more than 11 million consumers, processes millions of gallons of wastewater, provides important species habitat and supports a substantial industrial sector, with >$50 billion annual income to tourism, recreational boating, shipping, fisheries, and other industries. These and other key ecosystem services are currently threatened by an excess supply of nutrients, manifested in particular by increases in the magnitude and extent of harmful planktonic and benthic algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia. Widespread concern for this important international waterbody has been manifested in a strong focus of scientific and public material on the subject, and commitments for Canada-US remedial actions in recent agreements among Federal, Provincial and State agencies. This review provides a retrospective synthesis of past and current nutrient inputs, impairments by planktonic and benthic HABs and hypoxia, modelling and Best Management Practices in the Lake Erie basin. The results demonstrate that phosphorus reduction is of primary importance, but the effects of climate, nitrogen and other factors should also be considered in the context of adaptive management. Actions to reduce nutrient levels by targeted Best Management Practices will likely need to be tailored for soil types, topography, and farming practices.

Effects of electron acceptors on soluble reactive phosphorus in the overlying water during algal decomposition

Endogenous phosphorus (P) release from sediments is an important factor to cause eutrophication and, hence, algal bloom in lakes in China. Algal decomposition depletes dissolved oxygen (DO) and causes anaerobic conditions and therefore increases P release from sediments. As sediment P release is dependent on the iron (Fe) cycle, electron acceptors (e.g., NO3 (-), SO4 (2-), and Mn(4+)) can be utilized to suppress the reduction of Fe(3+) under anaerobic conditions and, as such, have the potential to impair the release of sediment P. Here, we used a laboratory experiment to test the effects of FeCl3, MnO2, and KNO3 on soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentration and related chemical variables in the overlying water column during algal decomposition at different algal densities. Results showed that algal decomposition significantly depleted DO and thereby increased sediment Fe-bound P release. Compared with the control, addition of FeCl3 significantly decreased water SRP concentration through inhibiting sediment P release. Compared with FeCl3, addition of MnO2 has less potential to suppress sediment P release during algal decomposition. Algal decomposition has the potential for NO3 (-) removal from aquatic ecosystem through denitrification and by that alleviates the suppressing role of NO3 (-) on sediment P release. Our results indicated that FeCl3 and MnO2 could be efficient in reducing sediment P release during algal decomposition, with the strongest effect found for FeCl3; large amounts of NO3 (-) were removed from the aquatic ecosystem through denitrification during algal decomposition. Moreover, the amounts of NO3 (-) removal increased with increasing algal density.

First report of the successful operation of a side stream supersaturation hypolimnetic oxygenation system in a eutrophic, shallow reservoir

Controlling hypolimnetic hypoxia is a key goal of water quality management. Hypoxic conditions can trigger the release of reduced metals and nutrients from lake sediments, resulting in taste and odor problems as well as nuisance algal blooms. In deep lakes and reservoirs, hypolimnetic oxygenation has emerged as a viable solution for combating hypoxia. In shallow lakes, however, it is difficult to add oxygen into the hypolimnion efficiently, and a poorly designed hypolimnetic oxygenation system could potentially result in higher turbidity, weakened thermal stratification, and warming of the sediments. As a result, little is known about the viability of hypolimnetic oxygenation in shallow bodies of water. Here, we present the results from recent successful tests of side stream supersaturation (SSS), a type of hypolimnetic oxygenation system, in a shallow reservoir and compare it to previous side stream deployments. We investigated the sensitivity of Falling Creek Reservoir, a shallow (Zmax = 9.3 m) drinking water reservoir located in Vinton, Virginia, USA, to SSS operation. We found that the SSS system increased hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen concentrations at a rate of ∼1 mg/L/week without weakening stratification or warming the sediments. Moreover, the SSS system suppressed the release of reduced iron and manganese, and likely phosphorus, from the sediments. In summary, SSS systems hold great promise for controlling hypolimnetic oxygen conditions in shallow lakes and reservoirs.

A simple model for predicting aluminum bound phosphorus formation and internal loading reduction in lakes after aluminum addition to lake sediment

The conversion of mobile phosphorus (P) to aluminum bound P (Al-P) after addition of Al to over 300 sub-samples from 35 sediment cores collected from 20 lakes in the upper Midwest, United States was investigated in this study. Consistent relationships between mobile P reduction and Al-P formation were detected across a broad range of mobile sediment P contents (0.04-2.8 g P m(-2) cm(-1) or 0.083-2.8 mg P g(-1)DW) and lake types. The conversion of mobile P to Al-P was dependent on the initial mobile sediment P content and the amount of Al added to the sediment. An empirical model was then developed to predict the formation of Al-P based on the amount of Al added relative to the initial mass of mobile P in the sediment. The results were compared to sediment collected from an Al treated lake and good agreement was found between the model and in-situ changes to sediment P fractions caused by Al treatment. The model developed in this study, unlike previous models with extreme, singular endpoints, allows for a continuum of estimates for mobile P conversion to Al-P, along with efficiency of P binding by Al, as Al dose varies. Model results can be used in conjunction with mobile sediment P based predictions for internal P loading to calculate an Al dose required to meet internal phosphorus loading goals for lake management and restoration without the need for expensive, time consuming Al additions to sediment.

Thermal stratification patterns in urban ponds and their relationships with vertical nutrient gradients

Ponds that collect and process stormwater have become a prominent feature of urban landscapes, especially in areas recently converted to residential land use in North America. Given their increasing number and their tight hydrological connection to residential catchments, these small aquatic ecosystems could play an important role in urban biogeochemistry. However, some physicochemical aspects of urban ponds remain poorly studied. Here we assessed the frequency and strength of water column stratification, using measurements of vertical water temperature profiles at high spatial and temporal frequency, in 10 shallow urban stormwater management ponds in southern Ontario, Canada. Many of the ponds were well stratified during much of the summer of 2010 as indicated by relatively high estimates of thermal resistance to mixing (RTRM) indices. Patterns of stratification reflected local weather conditions but also varied among ponds depending on their morphometric characteristics such as maximum water depth and surface area to perimeter ratio. We found greater vertical nutrient gradients and more phosphorus accumulation in bottom waters in ponds with strong and persistent stratification, which likely results from limited particle resuspension and more dissolved phosphorus (P) release from sediments. However, subsequent mixing events in the fall diminished vertical P gradients and possibly accelerated internal loading from the sediment-water interface. Our results demonstrate that stormwater ponds can experience unexpectedly long and strong thermal stratification despite their small size and shallow water depth. Strong thermal stratification and episodic mixing in ponds likely alter the quantity and timing of internal nutrient loading, and hence affect water quality and aquatic communities in downstream receiving waters.