Characterization of Phosphorus Removal in the Rivers Inputting into Lake Taihu

This study investigated phosphorus removal in the rivers inputting into Lake Taihu, Jiangsu Province. Ecological community properties of aquatic plants and algae in those rivers were surveyed with focus on diversity and density. The results showed that total phosphorus (TP) concentrations decreased along the runoff in the rivers, and the river with balanced algae community and integrated water plants ecological system had the ability of retention and decontamination of non-point source pollutant-phosphorus. The current velocity and water level also affected self-purification efficiency of the river. It seemed that the rivers inputting into Lake Taihu acted as natural protective screen for pollutants flowing into lake, and natural rivers could be explored for phosphorus removal.