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Algal growth potential based nitrogen and phosphorus criteria for bloom control

delete2026-03-01
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PRE
AI
J
Junhan Liu
陆韻 cover
陆韻 (Yun Lu) *
刀国华 (Guo-Hua Dao)
S
Shengnan Wang
K
Keying Song
胡洪营 (Hong‐Ying Hu) *
DOI:10.1016/j.watcyc.2025.10.004delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
High concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in aquatic systems can readily induce eutrophication, posing significant ecological and human health risks. Establishing scientifically sound N and P water quality criteria is therefore essential for effective water resource management and algal bloom mitigation. Current approaches to establishing lake nutrient criteria primarily rely on determining reference conditions, a method that faces practical limitations due to the pervasive pollution affecting most water bodies. To address this challenge, this study introduces an innovative methodology for deriving N and P criteria based on algal growth potential analysis, which establishes the theoretical minimum nutrient thresholds required for bloom formation.We selected and cultured twenty-three dominant algal species identified from documented bloom events to assess their growth potential. Under optimized cultivation conditions, we determined the maximum N and P yield coefficients for each species, from which we subsequently calculated species-specific N and P criteria based on predetermined bloom thresholds. Using species sensitivity distribution (SSD) analysis, we derived protective nutrient criteria corresponding to the 5th percentile hazard concentration: 0.204 mg/L for N and 0.006 mg/L for P. These values are notably more stringent than those established in European and American guidelines, as well as previous Chinese studies. This study thus establishes a novel scientific framework for developing water quality standards, particularly applicable to urban lakes receiving reclaimed water with high N and P concentrations.
Keywords:
Reclaimed water
Bloom
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Criteria

Journal

W
Water Cycle
IF:
8.7
Papers:
33
Citations:
630

Organization

K
kunming university of science & technology
Scholars:
1.9K
Papers: 495
Citations: 0
T
tsinghua university
Scholars:
11.5W
Papers: 9.9W
Citations: 137
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