TITLE:
Integrating Land Use Changes, Biomass Dynamics, and Water Quality for Wetland Restoration: A Case Study of Chaohu Lake Shibalianwei Wetland, China
AUTHORS:
Sajida, Changming Yang, Wazir Aitizaz Ahsan, Zifang Wang
KEYWORDS:
Wetland Restoration Assessment, Chaohu Lake, Land Use Changes, Aboveground Biomass, Water Quality
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
22,
2025
ABSTRACT: Wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide critical environmental services, including nutrient retention, water purification, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation. However, anthropogenic activities such as urban expansion, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollution have severely degraded these ecosystems, necessitating targeted restoration efforts. This study assesses the effectiveness of restoration interventions in the Shibalianwei Wetland, a key component of the Chaohu Lake basin, by analyzing land use changes, biomass recovery, and water quality improvements. Restoration strategies included vegetation re-establishment, hydrological modifications, and adaptive seasonal management over multiple years. Key findings indicate substantial improvements in water quality, with Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the wetland outflow reduced by up to 52% and 50%, respectively, during peak vegetation productivity. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels consistently remained above 6.2 mg/L, while Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) declined by 38% during the summer months. These enhancements were strongly correlated with increased aboveground biomass (AGB), particularly in areas of restored vegetation, which peaked at 10,211 tons in 2021. However, subsequent declines in vegetation cover emphasized the challenges in sustaining long-term ecological gains due to seasonal variability and external pressures. This study highlights the importance of integrated ecological restoration strategies and positions the Shibalianwei Wetland as a significant buffer against eutrophication, contributing to the overall water quality improvement of Chaohu Lake. The results offer a scalable framework for restoring degraded wetland ecosystems and underscore the necessity for long-term monitoring, adaptive management strategies, and policy interventions to ensure sustainable restoration outcomes. By integrating land use, biomass recovery, and water quality assessments, this research provides valuable insights for future wetland conservation initiatives worldwide.