Abstract
Impoundments play a vital role as nutrient sinks, capable of retaining and exporting nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) at different rates. The imbalance in N and P stoichiometry relative to phytoplankton demand often determines the limiting nutrient of phytoplankton biomass in these systems. This critical factor has a substantial impact on the management of eutrophication, encompassing the formulation of nutrient control strategies and the setting of regulatory thresholds. Nonetheless, research remains relatively limited on phytoplankton limiting factors and nutrient stoichiometry interactions in subtropical impoundment reservoirs. This study fills a critical gap in the current research by providing a comprehensive assessment of the influences of N and P on phytoplankton biomass in Lake Qiandaohu, China. Through field monitoring, nutrient addition experiments, and novel constraint line regression model, we provide new insights into the nutrient-phytoplankton dynamics within the lake. Both bioassay experiments and statistics indicated primarily P-limitation in Lake Qiandaohu owing to its dam-induced deep-water conditions, characterized by a nearly 1:1 linear relationship between chlorophyll a (Chla) and total P (TP) concentrations. This underscores the pivotal role of P management plays in controlling algal blooms. Utilizing the constraint line equation that relates TP to Chla, we have proposed TP thresholds designed to keep Chla within the specified target ranges, specifically below 10, 12, 20, 24, 40, and 60 μg/L. Furthermore, leveraging Vollenweider's models with these TP concentration thresholds, we established TP loading targets that accommodate a range of hydrological conditions, from normal to wet and dry years. Furthermore, both nutrient addition experiments and constraint line regression model indicates potential N and P co-limitation in specific regions, particularly the riverine zone, where the unsettled particulate matter results in relatively lower N:P ratios. To address this, we introduces TN thresholds and suggests localized control measures, including the use of floating macrophytes beds, as effective alternatives. Considering the uniform nutrient management policy currently applied across Chinese lakes and reservoirs, which may lead to under- or over-protection for individual water bodies, our research provides a flexible cost-effective eutrophication management framework tailored for the China's subtropical region.