Responses of dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics in eutrophic lake to water diversion from external watershed

Eutrophication is an important water environment issue facing global lakes. Diversion of water from external watersheds into lakes is considered as effective in ameliorating eutrophication and reducing algal blooms. Nevertheless, the changes in lake water environment caused by external water diversion, especially the influence of water diversion on the characteristics of dissolved organic matters (DOM), are still poorly understood. We therefore used a combination of EEM-PARAFAC, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) to investigate the effects of water diversion from the Niulan River on DOM characteristics in Lake Dianchi. The results showed that the water diversion from the Niulan River significantly improved the water quality of Lake Dianchi, the concentrations of TN, TP, COD and Chla decreased rapidly, and the degree of humification of dissolved organic matter (DOM) increased, which was in sharp contrast with that of pre-implementation. Firstly, the diversion of water from the Niulan River mainly led to changes in the structure of pollution sources. The load of influent rivers and sewage treatment plants rich in lignin and tannins increased, and the input of terrestrial humus increased. Second, the improved water quality reduced algal enrichment and frequency of blooms, and reduced the release of lipid- and protein-riched algal-derived DOM. Finally, the hydraulic retention time of Lake Dianchi caused by water diversion was shortened, the hydrodynamic conditions were significantly improved, and the dissolved oxygen (DO) level gradually recovered, which played a positive role in improving the humification degree of DOM. Our findings provide new insights for exploring the improvement of eutrophic lake eco-environmental quality caused by water diversion projects.