Integrated Evaluation of Inland Lake Water Quality under the Influence of Ecological Water Conveyance

Integrated Evaluation of Inland Lake Water Quality under the Influence of Ecological Water Conveyance | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Integrated Evaluation of Inland Lake Water Quality under the Influence of Ecological Water Conveyance Aishajiang Aili, Xu Hailiang, Abdul Waheed, Zhao Xinfeng, Zhang Peng This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4545609/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 3 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Taitema Lake, situated at the terminus of the Tarim River Basin in Northwest China, represents a crucial ecological resource impacted by climate variability and anthropogenic interventions. In this study, we investigate the dynamic changes in Taitema Lake's area and water quality resulting from the implementation of an ecological water transfer project since 2000. Leveraging Landsat remote sensing data and comprehensive water quality monitoring, we analyze the relationship between lake area variations and shifts in water quality parameters. Notably, our findings reveal a significant increase in Taitema Lake's area from 9.4 km² in 2000 to 320 km² in 2013. Concurrently, water quality indicators exhibited marked fluctuations, with total salt content ranging from 45,323.6 mg/L in 2000 to 970.4 mg/L in 2010, before increasing to 14,586.3 mg/L by 2014. Furthermore, a linear regression analysis highlights the moderate positive correlation between lake area and mineralization (R²=0.506) and sodium levels (R²=0.4907). Additionally, chloride (R²=0.5681) and sulfate (R²=0.6213) concentrations demonstrated a strong negative correlation with lake area, indicative of a dilution effect. Furthermore, a comparison of water quality indicators between the years of minimum (2008) and maximum (2013) lake area underscores improvements in pH, chemical oxygen demand, and anionic surfactant concentrations as lake area increased. Our study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of ecological water management strategies in restoring and maintaining the ecological health of Taitema Lake, thereby informing evidence-based decision-making for the sustainable management of freshwater resources in arid environments. Taitema Lake ecological water conveyance Lake area water quality Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 1 Introduction Inland lakes serve as sensitive indicators of climate and environmental changes in the arid regions of Northwest China, with alterations in surface area and water levels reflecting the water balance dynamics of arid river basins (Salimi et.al. 2021; Zhu et al., 2023 ; McDonald et al., 2023). Over recent decades, these lakes have encountered ecological challenges, including diminishing lake areas, declining biodiversity of flora and fauna, and more frequent climate-related disasters (Chen et.al. 2006 ; Zhang et al., 2013 ). Consequently, timely monitoring of dynamic changes and ecological conditions in tailwater lakes holds paramount importance for effective governance and management (Wang et al., 2019 ). Taitema Lake, situated in Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang Province, at the convergence of the 218 and 315 National Highways, stands as the tail lake of the Tarim River and Cherchen River, and is presently the sole lake preserved in the lower reaches of the Tarim River (Huo et al., 2020 ; Wang et al., 2021). Historically, the closure of the lower Tarim River resulted in the continuous shrinkage of Lake Taitema, leading to complete desiccation in 1983 and partial rehydration in 1999 (Ablekim et al., 2014 ; Zuo et al., 2022 ). However, since the initiation of the ecological water transmission project in 2000, significant quantities of ecological water have been successfully conveyed to the lower reaches of the Tarim River, resulting in an upward trend in ecological water volume and consequent inflow into Taitema Lake (Fan et al., 2013 ; Deng et al., 2016 ). Despite this, the lake's response to ecological water transfers is short-lived, with water surface retention lasting less than three months post-transfer. Sustaining a large water extent for Taitema Lake necessitates substantial water resources in the highly arid environment, hastening salt accumulation in lake sediments and impeding vegetation growth (Ye et al., 2022 ). Since the turn of the millennium, the implementation of an ecological water transfer project has sought to address the ecological imbalances afflicting Taitema Lake (Zhao et al., 2019; Zhao et al., 2023 ). This project, aimed at replenishing the downstream water resources of the Tarim River, has significantly impacted Taitema Lake's hydrological dynamics and water quality. Understanding the intricate interplay between changes in lake area and water quality is essential for assessing the effectiveness of such ecological interventions and guiding future management efforts. Previous research on Taitema Lake has yielded valuable insights. Studies by Chen Guoliang highlighted the lake's dry status since 1972, with significant inter-annual and intra-year changes observed before and after the ecological water transmission project of the Tarim River (Chen, 2016 ). Similarly, Ablekim et al. noted year-on-year increases in the lake's area following the implementation of the ecological water transmission project, alongside enhanced growth of surrounding vegetation (Ablekim et al., 2014 ). Further analyses by Zhang et al. explored Tarim River headstream drainage volumes and Taitema Lake area changes (Zhang et al., 2022 ). While numerous studies have examined the impact of ecological water conveyance on natural vegetation along the Tarim River and Taitema Lake (Chen et al., 2016; Huo et al., 2018), limited research has explored its influence on Taitema Lake's water quality. Leveraging remote sensing imagery and ground monitoring data, this paper seeks to analyze the corresponding effects of area and water quality changes on ecological water transport, offering valuable insights for enhancing water quality in Taitema Lake and its surrounding ecological environment. This study delves into the dynamic changes observed in Taitema Lake's area and water quality following the initiation of the ecological water transfer project in 2000. Leveraging Landsat remote sensing data and comprehensive water quality monitoring, the study aims to elucidate the relationship between lake area variations and shifts in water quality parameters. By employing linear regression analysis, the study seeks to quantify these relationships, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms driving the observed changes. Through a systematic analysis of temporal trends in lake area and water quality indicators, this research endeavors to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of ecological water management strategies in restoring and maintaining the ecological health of Taitema Lake. By elucidating the complex interactions between hydrological dynamics and water quality parameters, this study aims to inform evidence-based decision-making processes for the sustainable management of freshwater resources in arid environments. Overall, this investigation seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on inland lake ecology and management, offering actionable insights to support the conservation and restoration of fragile aquatic ecosystems in arid regions. 2 Data and Methods 2.1 Description of the study area Taitema Lake (87◦45′-89◦20′E, 39◦20′-39◦50′N) is situated in the northeast of the Tarim River basin, flanked by the Taklimakan Desert to the west, Kuruk Desert to the east, and Altun Mountain to the south (Chen et al., 2016), serving as the terminal lake for both the Tarim River and Cherchen River (Fig. 1 ). Characterized by an extremely arid climate in the warm temperate continent, the region experiences scarce precipitation and intense evaporation. Meteorological data from the Ruoqiang County station reveal an average annual temperature of 11.8℃, with extreme minimum and maximum temperatures recorded at -19.7 ℃ and 41.6 ℃, respectively. Annual precipitation stands at a mere 23.33mm, while evaporation rates soar to 2,673.2mm annually. The average relative humidity is 41.1%, with a dryness index of 63.0, and frequent wind and sandstorms further typify the area's climate (Ye et al., 2022 ). With a maximum depth under 1 m, Taitema Lake experiences significant area fluctuations due to various inflows from the Tarim and Qarqan rivers. Historically, the lake dried up before 2000 due to prolonged zero flow in the lower reaches of the Tarim River since 1970, leading to desert encroachment and degradation of aquatic vegetation within the lacustrine wetland (Chen et al., 2022 ). Since 2000, ecological water transfers from the downstream of the Tarim River to Taitema Lake have been initiated. 2.2 Data analysis This study utilized Landsat remote sensing images for analysis, with inter-band data analysis employed for image preprocessing (An et al., 2022 ) to correct atmospheric influences. Subsequently, lake water information was extracted through image fusion and classification techniques to calculate the area of lake water during the ecological water conveyance project implementation period (2000–2014). Various remote sensing data sources including MSS, CCD, TM/ETM, and CBERS were integrated (Amani et al., 2022 ; Peng et al., 2022 ), supported by image processing and geographic information system software. These methods facilitated the acquisition of comprehensive water area information for Lake Taitema across different time periods. Additionally, water level measurements were conducted in accordance with the "Water level Observation Standard" (GB/T50138-2010), with a water level observation gauge established in the monitoring section, and zero point elevation measured using the Xi'an 80 national base plane (Yan et al., 2022 ). Water quality indicators such as pH value, electrical conductivity, oxygen, and chemical oxygen demand were monitored using a portable multi-parameter water quality detector (HI98194). Data on water salinity, SO 4 2− , Cl − , K + , Na + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ plasma concentration were collated based on monitoring data provided by the Tarim River Basin Administration. Linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the linear relationship between changes in lake area and each ion in the lake after ecological water transfer (2000–2014). 3 Results 3.1 Change the area of the Taitema Lake since ecological water conveyance With the implementation of the ecological water transfer project in 2000, the Taitema Lake, which dried up in 1972s, formed a certain area of water. Due to the arid climate and less rainfall in the surrounding area of Taitema Lake, the lake area can only be maintained in the form of ecological water transport. If the water supply is not regularly carried out, the lake area will rapidly decrease. Therefore, the larger the lake area, the better, it is necessary to maintain a suitable lake area. The lake area is too large, which means that the evaporation of the lake is large, and too much water resources saved from the upstream are wasted in the evaporation of the lake. The evaporated water cannot play an ecological role in either the middle or upper reaches of the Tarim River or the tail of Taitema Lake. During dry years, water from the lower Tarim River often does not reach Taitema Lake. The lake area in different years after water transfer is shown in Table 1 and the Fig. 2 . Table 1 Variation of area of the Taitema Lake since ecological water conveyance Observed time Data sources Area/km 2 Observed time Data sources Area/km 2 2000-7-22 CBERS - CCD 9.4 2008-7-18 MSS 38.5 2001-7-21 CBERS - CCD 77.5 2009-8-13 TM/ETM 43.87 2002-6-21 TM/ETM 212.43 2010-7-17 HJ - CCD 278.62 2003-7-22 CBERS - CCD 181.8 2011-8-25 TM/ETM 148.94 2004-8-30 CBERS - CCD 56.3 2012-8-1 HJ - CCD 210.95 2005-9-1 TM/ETM 230.63 2013-11 HJ - CCD 313 2006-9-12 TM/ETM 118.68 2014-10 HJ - CCD 300 2007-6-11 TM/ETM 73.16 2009-8-13 TM/ETM 43.87 Table 1 shows the variation in the area of Taitema Lake from 2000 to 2014 following the implementation of the ecological water transfer project. Over this period, the lake experienced significant fluctuations in size, reflecting the impact of water management strategies and environmental conditions. In the initial years after the water transfer began, the lake area increased notably from 9.4 km² in 2000 to 212.43 km² in 2002. This rapid expansion can be attributed to the influx of water aimed at restoring the lake. However, by 2004, the lake area decreased to 56.3 km², suggesting variability in water supply or possibly increased evaporation and usage. The subsequent years saw further fluctuations. By 2005, the lake area surged again to 230.63 km², maintaining substantial size through 2006. Yet, a sharp decrease occurred in 2007, reducing the area to 73.16 km², and even further to 38.5 km² by 2008. This period likely reflects challenges in sustaining consistent water inflow or increased water demand upstream. A more stable period began in 2009, with the lake area gradually increasing again, reaching 278.62 km² in 2010 and peaking at 313 km² in 2013. This peak represents the maximum area observed during the period, indicating a successful period of water transfer and retention. By 2014, the lake area slightly decreased to 300 km², still reflecting a significant improvement compared to the early 2000s. Overall, from 2000 to 2014, Taitema Lake's area demonstrated considerable variability, largely dependent on the effectiveness of the ecological water transfer project and environmental factors. The data reveal a general trend of expansion, albeit with notable fluctuations, highlighting the dynamic nature of the lake's restoration process. 3.2 Water quality characteristics of Taitema Lake With the continuation of ecological water transport, the salt content and quality of lake water in Taitema Lake have changed gradually. The characteristics of salt content in lake water and its changes after water transport are shown in Fig. 3 . After ecological water transfer, the water quality index has changed greatly. Due to the difference in the amount of water transported, the lake area in each year is also different. The changes of lake water salinity and various ion concentrations in Taitema Lake are shown in Fig. 4 . Figure 4 illustrates the variation in water quality of Taitema Lake from 2000 to 2014, particularly focusing on the total salt content and concentrations of different ions. Initially, in 2000, the lake had an extremely high total salt content of 45,323.6 mg/L. This value decreased significantly in 2001 to 30,195.4 mg/L. The most notable reduction in salinity occurred in 2002 and 2003, where the total salt content dropped dramatically to 1,474.6 mg/L and 1,502.4 mg/L, respectively. This period marked a temporary improvement in water quality. However, from 2004 onwards, there was a marked increase in salinity. By 2009, during a severe drought, the total salt content peaked at 88,897.9 mg/L, the highest recorded during the study period. This peak was significantly higher than the following years, illustrating the impact of drought conditions on the lake's salinity. Regarding specific ions, sodium (Na + ) and chloride (Cl − ) were consistently the dominant ions contributing to the lake's salinity. For instance, in 2000, the Na + concentration was 11,913.2 mg/L, while Cl − was 20,381.9 mg/L. These values decreased significantly in 2002 and 2003 but began rising again in subsequent years, peaking in 2009 with Na + at 24,059.7 mg/L and Cl- at 40,277.8 mg/L. Other ions such as potassium (Ka + ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), and sulfate (SO 4 2− ) also showed significant variations. For example, in 2000, Ka + was 672.7 mg/L, Mg 2+ was 1,811.3 mg/L, Ca 2+ was 714.8 mg/L, and SO4 2− was 7,208.6 mg/L. These ions generally followed a similar trend of decreasing during 2002–2003 and then rising significantly towards 2009. Post-2009, there was a noticeable improvement in water quality by 2010, with the total salt content reducing to 970.4 mg/L. However, this improvement was not sustained, as the salinity increased again in subsequent years, reaching 14,586.3 mg/L by 2014. Overall, the data indicate that while the ecological water transfer project had some initial success in reducing the lake's salinity, persistent drought conditions and agricultural runoff contributed to significant increases in salt and ion concentrations over the years. 3.3 Responses of water quality on the changes of lake area With the development of ecological water transfer project since 2000, the area of Taitema Lake has increased year by year, and the growth of vegetation around it has improved, so has the water quality changed? How does it change in time series? Liniar relationship between the area of Taitema lake and water quality are presented in the Table 2 . Table 2 Relationship between the area of Taitema lake and water quality Water quality Linear regression equation R 2 P Mineralization y = 4E-08x 2 + 0.0054x + 237.91 0.506 <0.001 Ka + y = 4E-05x 2 + 0.1978x + 202.52 0.147 <0.001 Na + y = 5E-07x 2 + 0.0188x + 233.24 0.4907 <0.001 Mg 2+ y = 1E-05x 2 + 0.0992x + 235.31 0.4532 <0.001 Ca 2+ y = 3E-05x 2 + 0.2199x + 262.52 0.4345 <0.001 Cl − y = 3E-07x 2 + 0.0143x + 228.98 0.5681 <0.001 SO 4 2− y = 2E-06x 2 + 0.0343x + 237.88 0.6213 <0.001 Table 2 illustrates the relationship between the area of Taitema Lake and various water quality parameters over the period from 2000 to 2014. The data show that as the lake area changes, there are significant impacts on total salt content and the concentrations of several ions. During the ecological water transfer period, the area of Taitema Lake had a moderate positive correlation with the mineralization and sodium (Na + ) levels. The coefficients of determination (R²) for these relationships were 0.506 and 0.4907, respectively, indicating that about half of the variability in mineralization and sodium concentrations can be explained by changes in lake area. This suggests that as the lake area increased, the concentrations of total salts and sodium tended to rise, although other factors also played a role. Magnesium (Mg² + ) and calcium (Ca² + ) concentrations also showed a moderate correlation with lake area, with R² values of 0.4532 and 0.4345, respectively. This indicates that as the lake area expanded, the concentrations of these ions generally increased, but the relationships were not as strong as those for mineralization and sodium. The increase in these ion concentrations as the lake area grew suggests a dilution effect, where larger lake volumes helped reduce the concentration of these ions. The strongest relationships were observed with chloride (Cl − ) and sulfate (SO₄² − ), with R² values of 0.5681 and 0.6213, respectively. This indicates a more substantial portion of the variability in these ion concentrations could be explained by changes in lake area. As the lake area increased, the concentrations of chloride and sulfate decreased significantly, suggesting a strong dilution effect due to the larger water volume. Overall, the data highlight that while lake area significantly influences water quality, particularly for chloride and sulfate, other environmental and anthropogenic factors also contribute to these variations. Table 3 Comparison of water quality indicators in the period of minimum (2008) and maximum (2013) Lake area Test items The lake area is the smallest year (2008) The lake area is the largest year (2013) Detection basis pH 8.7 7.6 Electrode method HJ1147-2020 Chloroxyl (mg/L) 7.2 7.9 Electrochemical probe method HJ 500–2009 Electric conductivity (µS/cm) 1132 1141 GBT 5750.4–2006 Chemical oxygen demand (mg/L) 4.6 5 Dichromate method HJ 828–2017 Five-day BOD (mg/L) 1.5 1.2 Dilution and Inoculation Method HJ 505–2009 Permanganate index (mg/L) 4.1 3.3 GB 11892-89 Anionic surfactant (mg/L) 0.05 0.04 GB 7494-84 Table 3 provides a comparison of water quality indicators for Taitema Lake during the years of its smallest area (2008) and largest area (2013). This comparison highlights how different water quality parameters change with significant variations in lake area. In 2008, when the lake area was at its smallest, the pH level was 8.7, indicating a more alkaline environment compared to 2013 when the pH was 7.6. The reduction in pH in 2013 suggests a shift towards a more neutral condition as the lake area expanded. Chloroxyl concentrations were slightly higher in 2013 (7.9 mg/L) compared to 2008 (7.2 mg/L), suggesting an increase in organic pollution as the lake area grew. Electric conductivity, which measures the water’s ability to conduct electricity and indicates the concentration of dissolved salts, showed a minimal increase from 1132 µS/cm in 2008 to 1141 µS/cm in 2013. This slight change indicates that the total dissolved solids remained relatively stable despite the change in lake area. The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), an indicator of the amount of organic compounds in water, increased slightly from 4.6 mg/L in 2008 to 5 mg/L in 2013. Similarly, the five-day Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), which measures the amount of oxygen required for microbial decomposition of organic matter, decreased from 1.5 mg/L in 2008 to 1.2 mg/L in 2013, indicating improved organic matter degradation efficiency in the larger lake. The Permanganate Index, another measure of organic pollution, decreased from 4.1 mg/L in 2008 to 3.3 mg/L in 2013, further suggesting an improvement in water quality as the lake area increased. Additionally, the concentration of anionic surfactants, which are commonly used in detergents and can indicate pollution from domestic sources, decreased from 0.05 mg/L in 2008 to 0.04 mg/L in 2013, pointing to reduced pollution levels. Overall, the data from Table 3 indicate that the water quality of Taitema Lake improved as the lake area increased. This is reflected in the lower pH, reduced concentrations of BOD, Permanganate Index, and anionic surfactants in 2013 compared to 2008. The slight increases in chloroxyl and COD suggest that while some aspects of water quality improved, others remained relatively stable or showed minor increases in pollutant levels. These changes highlight the complex interactions between lake area and water quality parameters during the ecological water transfer period. 4.Discussion The findings of this study shed light on the intricate relationship between ecological water conveyance and the water quality dynamics of Taitema Lake. By integrating remote sensing data, water quality monitoring, and statistical analysis, we have elucidated key patterns and trends, offering valuable insights into the ecological implications of water management strategies. Our analysis reveals a significant increase in the area of Taitema Lake following the initiation of the ecological water transfer project in 2000. While the initial years saw substantial expansion, subsequent fluctuations underscore the complex interplay between water inflow, evaporation, and environmental factors. The observed peak in lake area in 2013 underscores the success of the water transfer efforts, albeit with challenges in maintaining consistent water levels. This findings is consisted with the previous research results. Lu et al., analyzed the ecological risks before and after ecological water conveyance and determined its ecological benefits by constructing. the Regional Landscape Ecological Risk Index (ERI), and found that, ecological water conveyance project effectively supplements water in the intermediate and lower courses of the Tarim River and the terminal lakes, significantly bolstering ecological conditions in the lake basin and reducing risks (Lu et al., 2024). The study highlights marked variations in water quality parameters over the study period. Notably, there was a discernible reduction in total salt content and concentrations of various ions following ecological water transfer. However, persistent drought conditions and agricultural runoff posed challenges, leading to fluctuations in salinity and ion concentrations. The findings underscore the importance of holistic water management strategies to mitigate the impact of environmental stressors on lake ecosystems. Our analysis revealed a nuanced relationship between Taitema Lake area and water quality parameters. While there was a general trend of improved water quality with increased lake area, the relationship varied across different parameters. Notably, chloride and sulfate concentrations exhibited a strong negative correlation with lake area, indicating the dilution effect of larger water volumes. However, other parameters, such as mineralization and sodium levels, showed more complex relationships, suggesting the influence of multiple factors on water quality dynamics. 5. Conclusion (1)The study highlights the significant impact of ecological water transfer on the area dynamics of Taitema Lake. Over the period from 2000 to 2014, the lake area experienced notable fluctuations, ranging from 9.4 km² to a peak of 320 km². These variations underscore the effectiveness of water management strategies in restoring and sustaining the lake's hydrological balance. However, challenges such as water scarcity and increased evaporation rates pose ongoing threats to the long-term stability of the lake ecosystem. (2)Analysis of water quality parameters reveals substantial temporal variations in Taitema Lake's aquatic environment post-ecological water transfer. Notably, the total salt content exhibited significant fluctuations, ranging from 45,323.6 mg/L in 2000 to 14,586.3 mg/L in 2014. These changes reflect the complex interplay between water availability, evaporation rates, and anthropogenic influences. Despite initial improvements in certain water quality indicators, persistent environmental stressors continue to pose challenges to maintaining water quality standards. (3)The study elucidates the intricate relationship between Taitema Lake's area dynamics and water quality parameters. Moderate positive correlations were observed between lake area and mineralization (R²=0.506) and sodium levels (R²=0.4907), indicating the influence of water volume on ion concentrations. Conversely, strong negative correlations were found for chloride (R²=0.5681) and sulfate (R²=0.6213) concentrations, suggesting the dilution effect of lake area expansion on reducing ion concentrations. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of freshwater ecosystems and highlight the importance of integrated water resource management practices. In conclusion, the findings underscore the critical importance of adaptive water management strategies in balancing ecological restoration efforts with sustainable water use in arid environments. The study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between hydrological changes, water quality dynamics, and ecosystem health in Taitema Lake, offering a basis for informed decision-making and policy formulation aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of freshwater resources. Declarations Author contributions: AA fitted the model. AW, ZX, ZP collected the data, developed the concepts, and wrote the manuscript. Funding : Open access funding provided by Xu Hailiang. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests References Ablekim, A., Kasimu, A., Kurban, A., Jappar, T., ZiLi, F., 2014. Monitoring the water area changes in Tetima-Kanglayka lakes region over the past four decades by remotely sensed data. J. Lake Sci. 26 (1), 46–54 (in Chinese). 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Whether the ecological benefits will continue to increase as usual and improve under the background of continuous ecological water delivery?—Taking the Lower Tarim River in China as an example. Ecol.Ind. 159 (2024) 111733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.111733 Zhu, X., Jiao, L., Wu, X., Du, D., Wu, J., Zhang, P., 2023. Ecosystem health assessment and comparison of natural and constructed wetlands in the arid zone of northwest China. Ecol. Ind. 154, 110576 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110576. Zuo, T., Chen, Y., Ding, J., 2022. Research on Vegetation Coverage Dynamics and Prediction in the Taitema Lake Region. Water. 14 (5) https://doi.org/10.3390/w14050725. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editor assigned by journal 11 Jun, 2024 Submission checks completed at journal 10 Jun, 2024 First submitted to journal 07 Jun, 2024 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4545609","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":313136196,"identity":"930585dc-b9ea-49f6-b8b9-f28ffc364d0b","order_by":0,"name":"Aishajiang Aili","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Aishajiang","middleName":"","lastName":"Aili","suffix":""},{"id":313136197,"identity":"bb058c7d-8ad5-47b2-ae90-6e60ecc98286","order_by":1,"name":"Xu Hailiang","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABAklEQVRIie3PvWrDMBDA8TMCTzJaJQj0Fa4EkhTS5lVcDJ3cjzFTEQQy5QGcrY/gqbTbiQxdQr26ZMkDdLDpkiFDZRPoFMVjIfoP4ob7IQnA5/uXcYD4SbYj1fsxF0J3IdiSwCz1XU9l1IEAthNbRXo1Rh27AZb3ptri6GIoXoCit4IjUFDV6XGisodE2oddvmdbILXe8CHTTC1fjxMhU2xIkJcEhOGGX2kKWeQgoUz7O0smLYnDT472dBJ7y6C55TYvNJCZ02miFt+DkSVJXgIYvU64yszM+Rf8SPtfu+nzdV4Q+9lPbyZCzExVO8hf8rE6TIHust/8ijou+nw+39n1C/baVb837ssSAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Xu","middleName":"","lastName":"Hailiang","suffix":""},{"id":313136198,"identity":"78c0cc88-4527-4532-bdc7-b89653b52bce","order_by":2,"name":"Abdul Waheed","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Abdul","middleName":"","lastName":"Waheed","suffix":""},{"id":313136199,"identity":"809eef99-8c49-493d-8b4e-c3f15c740b6a","order_by":3,"name":"Zhao Xinfeng","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zhao","middleName":"","lastName":"Xinfeng","suffix":""},{"id":313136200,"identity":"a2cb786a-9b74-46e7-b547-938aebd0a2d1","order_by":4,"name":"Zhang Peng","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Zhang","middleName":"","lastName":"Peng","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-06-07 10:51:25","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4545609/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4545609/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":59078640,"identity":"41676076-32c1-4d1a-a95d-312ec71eb7ce","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-26 06:40:58","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":214386,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeographical location of Taitema Lake\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4545609/v1/a560ea744e199b1eb3b62675.png"},{"id":59078639,"identity":"93de4187-6c92-45e3-ade9-143b3ed2bbd3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-26 06:40:57","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":168611,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariation of the area of Taitema Lake since ecological water conveyance\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4545609/v1/1a82562039d85137dce7351d.png"},{"id":59078636,"identity":"cfa5401b-35c3-4b05-b28a-5b1d0f6165c1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-26 06:40:57","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":19232,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalt contents of the Taitema Lake\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4545609/v1/d10e38bb66aa7136bff6bdb2.png"},{"id":59078638,"identity":"930cdac6-7f9f-43c7-99d1-81422897f6f3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-26 06:40:57","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":169948,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater quality change of Taitema Lake since ecological water conveyance\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4545609/v1/de64486f050cbba01510b8b5.png"},{"id":59079324,"identity":"23ec93fc-24aa-4d70-8d1e-b926388d0f7f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-26 06:48:58","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1103056,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4545609/v1/dc35a94b-f77b-4486-b53b-a754ca77c45d.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Integrated Evaluation of Inland Lake Water Quality under the Influence of Ecological Water Conveyance","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eInland lakes serve as sensitive indicators of climate and environmental changes in the arid regions of Northwest China, with alterations in surface area and water levels reflecting the water balance dynamics of arid river basins (Salimi et.al. 2021; Zhu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; McDonald et al., 2023). Over recent decades, these lakes have encountered ecological challenges, including diminishing lake areas, declining biodiversity of flora and fauna, and more frequent climate-related disasters (Chen et.al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Consequently, timely monitoring of dynamic changes and ecological conditions in tailwater lakes holds paramount importance for effective governance and management (Wang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Taitema Lake, situated in Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang Province, at the convergence of the 218 and 315 National Highways, stands as the tail lake of the Tarim River and Cherchen River, and is presently the sole lake preserved in the lower reaches of the Tarim River (Huo et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Wang et al., 2021). Historically, the closure of the lower Tarim River resulted in the continuous shrinkage of Lake Taitema, leading to complete desiccation in 1983 and partial rehydration in 1999 (Ablekim et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Zuo et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). However, since the initiation of the ecological water transmission project in 2000, significant quantities of ecological water have been successfully conveyed to the lower reaches of the Tarim River, resulting in an upward trend in ecological water volume and consequent inflow into Taitema Lake (Fan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Deng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Despite this, the lake's response to ecological water transfers is short-lived, with water surface retention lasting less than three months post-transfer. Sustaining a large water extent for Taitema Lake necessitates substantial water resources in the highly arid environment, hastening salt accumulation in lake sediments and impeding vegetation growth (Ye et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSince the turn of the millennium, the implementation of an ecological water transfer project has sought to address the ecological imbalances afflicting Taitema Lake (Zhao et al., 2019; Zhao et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). This project, aimed at replenishing the downstream water resources of the Tarim River, has significantly impacted Taitema Lake's hydrological dynamics and water quality. Understanding the intricate interplay between changes in lake area and water quality is essential for assessing the effectiveness of such ecological interventions and guiding future management efforts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrevious research on Taitema Lake has yielded valuable insights. Studies by Chen Guoliang highlighted the lake's dry status since 1972, with significant inter-annual and intra-year changes observed before and after the ecological water transmission project of the Tarim River (Chen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, Ablekim et al. noted year-on-year increases in the lake's area following the implementation of the ecological water transmission project, alongside enhanced growth of surrounding vegetation (Ablekim et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Further analyses by Zhang et al. explored Tarim River headstream drainage volumes and Taitema Lake area changes (Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). While numerous studies have examined the impact of ecological water conveyance on natural vegetation along the Tarim River and Taitema Lake (Chen et al., 2016; Huo et al., 2018), limited research has explored its influence on Taitema Lake's water quality. Leveraging remote sensing imagery and ground monitoring data, this paper seeks to analyze the corresponding effects of area and water quality changes on ecological water transport, offering valuable insights for enhancing water quality in Taitema Lake and its surrounding ecological environment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study delves into the dynamic changes observed in Taitema Lake's area and water quality following the initiation of the ecological water transfer project in 2000. Leveraging Landsat remote sensing data and comprehensive water quality monitoring, the study aims to elucidate the relationship between lake area variations and shifts in water quality parameters. By employing linear regression analysis, the study seeks to quantify these relationships, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms driving the observed changes. Through a systematic analysis of temporal trends in lake area and water quality indicators, this research endeavors to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of ecological water management strategies in restoring and maintaining the ecological health of Taitema Lake. By elucidating the complex interactions between hydrological dynamics and water quality parameters, this study aims to inform evidence-based decision-making processes for the sustainable management of freshwater resources in arid environments. Overall, this investigation seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on inland lake ecology and management, offering actionable insights to support the conservation and restoration of fragile aquatic ecosystems in arid regions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Data and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Description of the study area\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaitema Lake (87◦45\u0026prime;-89◦20\u0026prime;E, 39◦20\u0026prime;-39◦50\u0026prime;N) is situated in the northeast of the Tarim River basin, flanked by the Taklimakan Desert to the west, Kuruk Desert to the east, and Altun Mountain to the south (Chen et al., 2016), serving as the terminal lake for both the Tarim River and Cherchen River (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Characterized by an extremely arid climate in the warm temperate continent, the region experiences scarce precipitation and intense evaporation. Meteorological data from the Ruoqiang County station reveal an average annual temperature of 11.8℃, with extreme minimum and maximum temperatures recorded at -19.7 ℃ and 41.6 ℃, respectively. Annual precipitation stands at a mere 23.33mm, while evaporation rates soar to 2,673.2mm annually. The average relative humidity is 41.1%, with a dryness index of 63.0, and frequent wind and sandstorms further typify the area's climate (Ye et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). With a maximum depth under 1 m, Taitema Lake experiences significant area fluctuations due to various inflows from the Tarim and Qarqan rivers. Historically, the lake dried up before 2000 due to prolonged zero flow in the lower reaches of the Tarim River since 1970, leading to desert encroachment and degradation of aquatic vegetation within the lacustrine wetland (Chen et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Since 2000, ecological water transfers from the downstream of the Tarim River to Taitema Lake have been initiated.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Data analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study utilized Landsat remote sensing images for analysis, with inter-band data analysis employed for image preprocessing (An et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) to correct atmospheric influences. Subsequently, lake water information was extracted through image fusion and classification techniques to calculate the area of lake water during the ecological water conveyance project implementation period (2000\u0026ndash;2014). Various remote sensing data sources including MSS, CCD, TM/ETM, and CBERS were integrated (Amani et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Peng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e), supported by image processing and geographic information system software. These methods facilitated the acquisition of comprehensive water area information for Lake Taitema across different time periods. Additionally, water level measurements were conducted in accordance with the \"Water level Observation Standard\" (GB/T50138-2010), with a water level observation gauge established in the monitoring section, and zero point elevation measured using the Xi'an 80 national base plane (Yan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Water quality indicators such as pH value, electrical conductivity, oxygen, and chemical oxygen demand were monitored using a portable multi-parameter water quality detector (HI98194). Data on water salinity, SO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, Cl\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, K\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e, Na\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e, Mg\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e, Ca\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e plasma concentration were collated based on monitoring data provided by the Tarim River Basin Administration. Linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the linear relationship between changes in lake area and each ion in the lake after ecological water transfer (2000\u0026ndash;2014).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Change the area of the Taitema Lake since ecological water conveyance\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith the implementation of the ecological water transfer project in 2000, the Taitema Lake, which dried up in 1972s, formed a certain area of water. Due to the arid climate and less rainfall in the surrounding area of Taitema Lake, the lake area can only be maintained in the form of ecological water transport. If the water supply is not regularly carried out, the lake area will rapidly decrease. Therefore, the larger the lake area, the better, it is necessary to maintain a suitable lake area. The lake area is too large, which means that the evaporation of the lake is large, and too much water resources saved from the upstream are wasted in the evaporation of the lake. The evaporated water cannot play an ecological role in either the middle or upper reaches of the Tarim River or the tail of Taitema Lake. During dry years, water from the lower Tarim River often does not reach Taitema Lake. The lake area in different years after water transfer is shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and the Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariation of area of the Taitema Lake since ecological water conveyance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eObserved time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eData sources\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eArea/km\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eObserved time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eData sources\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eArea/km\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2000-7-22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCBERS - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2008-7-18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMSS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2001-7-21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCBERS - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2009-8-13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTM/ETM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2002-6-21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTM/ETM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e212.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2010-7-17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHJ - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e278.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2003-7-22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCBERS - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e181.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2011-8-25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTM/ETM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e148.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2004-8-30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCBERS - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2012-8-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHJ - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e210.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2005-9-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTM/ETM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e230.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2013-11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHJ - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e313\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2006-9-12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTM/ETM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2014-10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHJ - CCD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e300\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2007-6-11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTM/ETM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026minus;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2009-8-13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTM/ETM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e shows the variation in the area of Taitema Lake from 2000 to 2014 following the implementation of the ecological water transfer project. Over this period, the lake experienced significant fluctuations in size, reflecting the impact of water management strategies and environmental conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the initial years after the water transfer began, the lake area increased notably from 9.4 km\u0026sup2; in 2000 to 212.43 km\u0026sup2; in 2002. This rapid expansion can be attributed to the influx of water aimed at restoring the lake. However, by 2004, the lake area decreased to 56.3 km\u0026sup2;, suggesting variability in water supply or possibly increased evaporation and usage.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe subsequent years saw further fluctuations. By 2005, the lake area surged again to 230.63 km\u0026sup2;, maintaining substantial size through 2006. Yet, a sharp decrease occurred in 2007, reducing the area to 73.16 km\u0026sup2;, and even further to 38.5 km\u0026sup2; by 2008. This period likely reflects challenges in sustaining consistent water inflow or increased water demand upstream.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA more stable period began in 2009, with the lake area gradually increasing again, reaching 278.62 km\u0026sup2; in 2010 and peaking at 313 km\u0026sup2; in 2013. This peak represents the maximum area observed during the period, indicating a successful period of water transfer and retention. By 2014, the lake area slightly decreased to 300 km\u0026sup2;, still reflecting a significant improvement compared to the early 2000s.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, from 2000 to 2014, Taitema Lake's area demonstrated considerable variability, largely dependent on the effectiveness of the ecological water transfer project and environmental factors. The data reveal a general trend of expansion, albeit with notable fluctuations, highlighting the dynamic nature of the lake's restoration process.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Water quality characteristics of Taitema Lake\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith the continuation of ecological water transport, the salt content and quality of lake water in Taitema Lake have changed gradually. The characteristics of salt content in lake water and its changes after water transport are shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter ecological water transfer, the water quality index has changed greatly. Due to the difference in the amount of water transported, the lake area in each year is also different. The changes of lake water salinity and various ion concentrations in Taitema Lake are shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e illustrates the variation in water quality of Taitema Lake from 2000 to 2014, particularly focusing on the total salt content and concentrations of different ions. Initially, in 2000, the lake had an extremely high total salt content of 45,323.6 mg/L. This value decreased significantly in 2001 to 30,195.4 mg/L. The most notable reduction in salinity occurred in 2002 and 2003, where the total salt content dropped dramatically to 1,474.6 mg/L and 1,502.4 mg/L, respectively. This period marked a temporary improvement in water quality. However, from 2004 onwards, there was a marked increase in salinity. By 2009, during a severe drought, the total salt content peaked at 88,897.9 mg/L, the highest recorded during the study period. This peak was significantly higher than the following years, illustrating the impact of drought conditions on the lake's salinity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding specific ions, sodium (Na\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e) and chloride (Cl\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e) were consistently the dominant ions contributing to the lake's salinity. For instance, in 2000, the Na\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e concentration was 11,913.2 mg/L, while Cl\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e was 20,381.9 mg/L. These values decreased significantly in 2002 and 2003 but began rising again in subsequent years, peaking in 2009 with Na\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;at 24,059.7 mg/L and Cl- at 40,277.8 mg/L. Other ions such as potassium (Ka\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e), magnesium (Mg\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e), calcium (Ca\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e), and sulfate (SO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e) also showed significant variations. For example, in 2000, Ka\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e was 672.7 mg/L, Mg\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e was 1,811.3 mg/L, Ca\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e was 714.8 mg/L, and SO4\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e was 7,208.6 mg/L. These ions generally followed a similar trend of decreasing during 2002\u0026ndash;2003 and then rising significantly towards 2009.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePost-2009, there was a noticeable improvement in water quality by 2010, with the total salt content reducing to 970.4 mg/L. However, this improvement was not sustained, as the salinity increased again in subsequent years, reaching 14,586.3 mg/L by 2014. Overall, the data indicate that while the ecological water transfer project had some initial success in reducing the lake's salinity, persistent drought conditions and agricultural runoff contributed to significant increases in salt and ion concentrations over the years.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Responses of water quality on the changes of lake area\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith the development of ecological water transfer project since 2000, the area of Taitema Lake has increased year by year, and the growth of vegetation around it has improved, so has the water quality changed? How does it change in time series? Liniar relationship between the area of Taitema lake and water quality are presented in the Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelationship between the area of Taitema lake and water quality\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWater quality\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLinear regression equation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eR\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMineralization\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4E-08x\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.0054x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;237.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.506\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKa\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4E-05x\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.1978x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;202.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.147\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNa\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5E-07x\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.0188x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;233.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4907\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMg\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1E-05x\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.0992x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;235.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4532\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCa\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3E-05x\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.2199x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;262.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4345\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCl\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3E-07x\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.0143x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;228.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5681\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2E-06x\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.0343x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;237.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6213\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e illustrates the relationship between the area of Taitema Lake and various water quality parameters over the period from 2000 to 2014. The data show that as the lake area changes, there are significant impacts on total salt content and the concentrations of several ions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring the ecological water transfer period, the area of Taitema Lake had a moderate positive correlation with the mineralization and sodium (Na\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e) levels. The coefficients of determination (R\u0026sup2;) for these relationships were 0.506 and 0.4907, respectively, indicating that about half of the variability in mineralization and sodium concentrations can be explained by changes in lake area. This suggests that as the lake area increased, the concentrations of total salts and sodium tended to rise, although other factors also played a role.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMagnesium (Mg\u0026sup2;\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e) and calcium (Ca\u0026sup2;\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e) concentrations also showed a moderate correlation with lake area, with R\u0026sup2; values of 0.4532 and 0.4345, respectively. This indicates that as the lake area expanded, the concentrations of these ions generally increased, but the relationships were not as strong as those for mineralization and sodium. The increase in these ion concentrations as the lake area grew suggests a dilution effect, where larger lake volumes helped reduce the concentration of these ions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe strongest relationships were observed with chloride (Cl\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e) and sulfate (SO₄\u0026sup2;\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e), with R\u0026sup2; values of 0.5681 and 0.6213, respectively. This indicates a more substantial portion of the variability in these ion concentrations could be explained by changes in lake area. As the lake area increased, the concentrations of chloride and sulfate decreased significantly, suggesting a strong dilution effect due to the larger water volume. Overall, the data highlight that while lake area significantly influences water quality, particularly for chloride and sulfate, other environmental and anthropogenic factors also contribute to these variations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparison of water quality indicators in the period of minimum (2008) and maximum (2013) Lake area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTest items\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe lake area is the smallest year (2008)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe lake area is the largest year (2013)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetection basis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003epH\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectrode method HJ1147-2020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChloroxyl (mg/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectrochemical probe method HJ 500\u0026ndash;2009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectric conductivity (\u0026micro;S/cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1132\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1141\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGBT 5750.4\u0026ndash;2006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChemical oxygen demand (mg/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDichromate method HJ 828\u0026ndash;2017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFive-day BOD (mg/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDilution and Inoculation Method HJ 505\u0026ndash;2009\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePermanganate index (mg/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGB 11892-89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnionic surfactant (mg/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGB 7494-84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e provides a comparison of water quality indicators for Taitema Lake during the years of its smallest area (2008) and largest area (2013). This comparison highlights how different water quality parameters change with significant variations in lake area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 2008, when the lake area was at its smallest, the pH level was 8.7, indicating a more alkaline environment compared to 2013 when the pH was 7.6. The reduction in pH in 2013 suggests a shift towards a more neutral condition as the lake area expanded. Chloroxyl concentrations were slightly higher in 2013 (7.9 mg/L) compared to 2008 (7.2 mg/L), suggesting an increase in organic pollution as the lake area grew. Electric conductivity, which measures the water\u0026rsquo;s ability to conduct electricity and indicates the concentration of dissolved salts, showed a minimal increase from 1132 \u0026micro;S/cm in 2008 to 1141 \u0026micro;S/cm in 2013. This slight change indicates that the total dissolved solids remained relatively stable despite the change in lake area. The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), an indicator of the amount of organic compounds in water, increased slightly from 4.6 mg/L in 2008 to 5 mg/L in 2013. Similarly, the five-day Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), which measures the amount of oxygen required for microbial decomposition of organic matter, decreased from 1.5 mg/L in 2008 to 1.2 mg/L in 2013, indicating improved organic matter degradation efficiency in the larger lake. The Permanganate Index, another measure of organic pollution, decreased from 4.1 mg/L in 2008 to 3.3 mg/L in 2013, further suggesting an improvement in water quality as the lake area increased. Additionally, the concentration of anionic surfactants, which are commonly used in detergents and can indicate pollution from domestic sources, decreased from 0.05 mg/L in 2008 to 0.04 mg/L in 2013, pointing to reduced pollution levels.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the data from Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e indicate that the water quality of Taitema Lake improved as the lake area increased. This is reflected in the lower pH, reduced concentrations of BOD, Permanganate Index, and anionic surfactants in 2013 compared to 2008. The slight increases in chloroxyl and COD suggest that while some aspects of water quality improved, others remained relatively stable or showed minor increases in pollutant levels. These changes highlight the complex interactions between lake area and water quality parameters during the ecological water transfer period.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4.Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe findings of this study shed light on the intricate relationship between ecological water conveyance and the water quality dynamics of Taitema Lake. By integrating remote sensing data, water quality monitoring, and statistical analysis, we have elucidated key patterns and trends, offering valuable insights into the ecological implications of water management strategies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur analysis reveals a significant increase in the area of Taitema Lake following the initiation of the ecological water transfer project in 2000. While the initial years saw substantial expansion, subsequent fluctuations underscore the complex interplay between water inflow, evaporation, and environmental factors. The observed peak in lake area in 2013 underscores the success of the water transfer efforts, albeit with challenges in maintaining consistent water levels. This findings is consisted with the previous research results. Lu et al., analyzed the ecological risks before and after ecological water conveyance and determined its ecological benefits by constructing. the Regional Landscape Ecological Risk Index (ERI), and found that, ecological water conveyance project effectively supplements water in the intermediate and lower courses of the Tarim River and the terminal lakes, significantly bolstering ecological conditions in the lake basin and reducing risks (Lu et al., 2024).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study highlights marked variations in water quality parameters over the study period. Notably, there was a discernible reduction in total salt content and concentrations of various ions following ecological water transfer. However, persistent drought conditions and agricultural runoff posed challenges, leading to fluctuations in salinity and ion concentrations. The findings underscore the importance of holistic water management strategies to mitigate the impact of environmental stressors on lake ecosystems.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur analysis revealed a nuanced relationship between Taitema Lake area and water quality parameters. While there was a general trend of improved water quality with increased lake area, the relationship varied across different parameters. Notably, chloride and sulfate concentrations exhibited a strong negative correlation with lake area, indicating the dilution effect of larger water volumes. However, other parameters, such as mineralization and sodium levels, showed more complex relationships, suggesting the influence of multiple factors on water quality dynamics.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003e(1)The study highlights the significant impact of ecological water transfer on the area dynamics of Taitema Lake. Over the period from 2000 to 2014, the lake area experienced notable fluctuations, ranging from 9.4 km\u0026sup2; to a peak of 320 km\u0026sup2;. These variations underscore the effectiveness of water management strategies in restoring and sustaining the lake's hydrological balance. However, challenges such as water scarcity and increased evaporation rates pose ongoing threats to the long-term stability of the lake ecosystem.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(2)Analysis of water quality parameters reveals substantial temporal variations in Taitema Lake's aquatic environment post-ecological water transfer. Notably, the total salt content exhibited significant fluctuations, ranging from 45,323.6 mg/L in 2000 to 14,586.3 mg/L in 2014. These changes reflect the complex interplay between water availability, evaporation rates, and anthropogenic influences. Despite initial improvements in certain water quality indicators, persistent environmental stressors continue to pose challenges to maintaining water quality standards.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(3)The study elucidates the intricate relationship between Taitema Lake's area dynamics and water quality parameters. Moderate positive correlations were observed between lake area and mineralization (R\u0026sup2;=0.506) and sodium levels (R\u0026sup2;=0.4907), indicating the influence of water volume on ion concentrations. Conversely, strong negative correlations were found for chloride (R\u0026sup2;=0.5681) and sulfate (R\u0026sup2;=0.6213) concentrations, suggesting the dilution effect of lake area expansion on reducing ion concentrations. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of freshwater ecosystems and highlight the importance of integrated water resource management practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, the findings underscore the critical importance of adaptive water management strategies in balancing ecological restoration efforts with sustainable water use in arid environments. The study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between hydrological changes, water quality dynamics, and ecosystem health in Taitema Lake, offering a basis for informed decision-making and policy formulation aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of freshwater resources.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAA fitted the model. AW, ZX, ZP collected the data, developed the concepts, and wrote the manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e: Open access funding provided by Xu Hailiang.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of interest:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAblekim, A., Kasimu, A., Kurban, A., Jappar, T., ZiLi, F., 2014. Monitoring the water area changes in Tetima-Kanglayka lakes region over the past four decades by remotely sensed data. J. Lake Sci. 26 (1), 46\u0026ndash;54 (in Chinese).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmani, M., Kakooei, M., Ghorbanian, A., Warren, R., Mahdavi, S., Brisco, B.,Moghimi, A., Bourgeau-Chavez, L., Toure, S., Paudel, A., Sulaiman, A., Post, R.,2022. 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Rep. 12 (1) \u003cem\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14524-z.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChen, Y., Chen, Y., Zhu, C., Wang, Y., Hao, X., 2022. Ecohydrological effects of water conveyance in a disconnected river in an arid inland river basin. Sci. Rep. 12 (1) \u003cem\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14524-z.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChen, Y.N., Zilliacus, H., Li, W.H., Zhang, H.F., Chen, Y.P., 2006. Ground-water level affects plant species diversity along the lower reaches of the Tarim River, Western China. J. Arid Environ. 66, 231\u0026ndash;246. \u003cem\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.11.009\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeng, M.J., Zhou, H.Y., Xu, H.L., 2016. Research on the ecological operation in the lower reaches of Tarim River based on water conveyance. Sci. 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Water. 14 (5) \u003cem\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3390/w14050725.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-and-ecological-statistics","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"eest","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental and Ecological Statistics](http://link.springer.com/journal/10651)","snPcode":"10651","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/10651/3","title":"Environmental and Ecological Statistics","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Taitema Lake, ecological water conveyance, Lake area, water quality","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4545609/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4545609/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eTaitema Lake, situated at the terminus of the Tarim River Basin in Northwest China, represents a crucial ecological resource impacted by climate variability and anthropogenic interventions. In this study, we investigate the dynamic changes in Taitema Lake's area and water quality resulting from the implementation of an ecological water transfer project since 2000. Leveraging Landsat remote sensing data and comprehensive water quality monitoring, we analyze the relationship between lake area variations and shifts in water quality parameters. Notably, our findings reveal a significant increase in Taitema Lake's area from 9.4 km\u0026sup2; in 2000 to 320 km\u0026sup2; in 2013. Concurrently, water quality indicators exhibited marked fluctuations, with total salt content ranging from 45,323.6 mg/L in 2000 to 970.4 mg/L in 2010, before increasing to 14,586.3 mg/L by 2014. Furthermore, a linear regression analysis highlights the moderate positive correlation between lake area and mineralization (R\u0026sup2;=0.506) and sodium levels (R\u0026sup2;=0.4907). Additionally, chloride (R\u0026sup2;=0.5681) and sulfate (R\u0026sup2;=0.6213) concentrations demonstrated a strong negative correlation with lake area, indicative of a dilution effect. Furthermore, a comparison of water quality indicators between the years of minimum (2008) and maximum (2013) lake area underscores improvements in pH, chemical oxygen demand, and anionic surfactant concentrations as lake area increased. Our study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of ecological water management strategies in restoring and maintaining the ecological health of Taitema Lake, thereby informing evidence-based decision-making for the sustainable management of freshwater resources in arid environments.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Integrated Evaluation of Inland Lake Water Quality under the Influence of Ecological Water Conveyance","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-06-26 06:40:53","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4545609/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-06-11T12:19:45+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2024-06-10T13:50:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Environmental and Ecological Statistics","date":"2024-06-07T10:48:03+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-and-ecological-statistics","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"eest","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental and Ecological Statistics](http://link.springer.com/journal/10651)","snPcode":"10651","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/10651/3","title":"Environmental and Ecological Statistics","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"9b4c8bea-6577-463d-b7f2-b642e4e8c5b3","owner":[],"postedDate":"June 26th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-06-26T06:40:53+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-06-26 06:40:53","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4545609","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4545609","identity":"rs-4545609","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}