Effects of hydrological change on the risk of riverine algal blooms: case study in the mid-downstream of the Han River in China

Algal blooms usually occur in semi-closed water bodies such as lakes or estuaries; however, it has occurred frequently in the mid-downstream of the Han River (MSHR) in China since the 1990s. We made a comparative analysis of the hydrological conditions and identified the hydrological condition thresholds that induce algal blooms. From the hydrodynamic point of view, the changes and characteristics of the hydrological conditions in the MSHR were analyzed. Furthermore, the influence on the risk of algal blooms under different design water transfer schemes for the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) was studied. The results indicated that (1) the flow in the MSHR less than 900 m(3)/s and water level in the Yangtze River higher than 14 m provided a suitable hydrological environment for diatoms multiply. (2) The flow of the MSHR showed a downtrend, while the water level of the Yangtze River showed an uptrend. There were variations in hydrological processes. Through specific IHA index analysis, the fact of flow reduction in the MSHR was demonstrated, and further indicated that algal bloom outbreak was in low flow period. (3) The water transfer in the middle route of SNWDP affected the risk probability of algal blooms. The more the amount of water transfer, the greater the risk probability of algal blooms. It was the Water Diversion Project from Yangtze River to Han River (WDPYHR) that replenished flow of the MSHR and was conducive to the prevention and control of algal bloom risk.

Automated summary

The study analyzed the hydrological conditions of algal blooms in the mid-downstream of the Han River, identifying low flow periods as a time of outbreak and noting that water transfer projects may increase the risk of algal blooms in the area. The research also highlighted the importance of projects like the Water Diversion Project from Yangtze River to Han River in preventing and controlling algal bloom risks.