Analysis of drivers and ecological response mechanisms of river eutrophication in China from an elemental balancing perspective

TIAN Yuxin; GUAN Xianghong; ZHENG Zhiyan; SONG Zhaohui; QIU Guanglei; WEI Chaohai

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202512001

Volume 43 Issue 12

Dec. 2025

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TIAN Yuxin, GUAN Xianghong, ZHENG Zhiyan, SONG Zhaohui, QIU Guanglei, WEI Chaohai. Analysis of drivers and ecological response mechanisms of river eutrophication in China from an elemental balancing perspective[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(12): 1-12. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202512001

Citation:

TIAN Yuxin, GUAN Xianghong, ZHENG Zhiyan, SONG Zhaohui, QIU Guanglei, WEI Chaohai. Analysis of drivers and ecological response mechanisms of river eutrophication in China from an elemental balancing perspective[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(12): 1-12. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202512001

Citation:

TIAN Yuxin, GUAN Xianghong, ZHENG Zhiyan, SONG Zhaohui, QIU Guanglei, WEI Chaohai. Analysis of drivers and ecological response mechanisms of river eutrophication in China from an elemental balancing perspective[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(12): 1-12. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202512001

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Analysis of drivers and ecological response mechanisms of river eutrophication in China from an elemental balancing perspective

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202512001

1. School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China

Received Date: 2025-05-02
Accepted Date: 2025-05-21
Rev Recd Date: 2025-05-18

Available Online: 2026-01-09

Abstract

Abstract

In the Anthropocene， elemental stoichiometry imbalance in water cycles may become a critical constraint on the sustainable development of river ecosystems. Regional development disparities have intensified the complexity of cross-border circulation of carbon， nitrogen， and phosphorus， posing challenges for pollution control due to spatial heterogeneity. Current effluent standards neglect the metabolic equilibrium thresholds of aquatic ecosystems， leading to mismatches between pollution reduction efficacy and environmental risk mitigation， as well as inadequate functional coordination of ecological metabolic systems post-treatment. In this regard， this study analyzed the spatiotemporal variations in carbon， nitrogen and phosphorus ratios across Chinese watersheds using multi-source data. Results revealed significant stoichiometric deviations during wastewater treatments from an influent C∶N∶P ratio of ［（354.07±121.33）∶（10.84±1.85）∶1］， to an effluent ratio of ［（73.44±26.52）∶（10.10±2.53）∶1］， indicating amplified nutrient disproportions and a disconnect between treatment strategies and the ecological functions of natural water bodies. Latitudinal gradients in element ratios highlighted human induced deviations from natural baselines ［ρ（C）∶ρ（N）∶ρ（P） = （136.30±51.24）∶（75.15±48.15）∶1］， with phosphorus limitation prevalent in outflow regions and water quality characterized by carbon constraints coupled with nutrient surpluses， which hindered plants utilization and biological mineralization. Therefore， water quality management in river basins was subject to common constraints of total reduction， elemental ratios reduction， and runoff mixing reduction. It was necessary to break through the scale limitations imposed by absolute concentration indicators in traditional water quality assessments from a stoichiometric perspective， emphasizing the elucidation of mechanisms， through which technological optimization and industrial upgrading influence elemental flows. This provided a scientific foundation for constructing a river basin governance system oriented by metabolic balance. Future research should further integrate hydrodynamic processes with ecological metabolic thresholds， delineating the spatial boundaries of eutrophication sensitive areas and their evolution trends influenced by climate and human activity changes， and achieving spatiotemporal coordination among technological emission reductions， residual pollutants and ecological feedback via models.
- eutrophication,
- elemental stoichiometry,
- watershed water quality management,
- wastewater treatment,
- climate change

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References(46)

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