Physically-based model for studying the salinization of Bosten Lake in China

Abstract

Salinization of lakes in arid areas is a common phenomenon with harmful consequences and must be controlled for the better use of lake freshwater and for the conservation of the environment around lakes. Bosten Lake, located in Xinjiang (western China) and the largest inland freshwater lake in China, now experiences salinization. The salinization of Bosten Lake is studied herein by using a physically-based model. After qualitative analysis of lake salinization, the quantitative model is presented that describes the systems of water quantity-water quality-ecology (WQQE) in an integrated way and that simulates the changing processes of lake salinization in the past. On the basis of the WQQE model, an optimal model was also developed to investigate the best strategy for controlling salinization of the lake in the future. The results demonstrated that the developed models can be used to depict the physical process of salinization of Bosten Lake and to provide meaningful information on how to control this salinization. Un modèle à bases physiques pour l'étude de la salinisation du Lac Bosten en ChineRésumé La salinisation des lacs en régions arides est un phénomène courant aux conséquences nuisibles, qui doit être contrôlé dans l'optique d'une meilleure utilisation de l'eau douce des lacs et de la conservation des environnements lacustres. Le Lac Bosten, situé dans le Xinjiang (à l'ouest de la Chine) et constituant le plus grand lac d'eau douce de Chine, subit désormais la salinisation. La salinisation du Lac Bosten est étudiée à l'aide d'un modèle à bases physiques. Après une analyse qualitative de la salinisation lacustre, présentation est faite du modèle quantitatif qui décrit les systèmes quantité d'eauqualité d'eau-écologie (WQQE) d'une manière intégrée et qui simule les processus évolutifs de salinisation lacustre au cours du passé. Grâce au modèle WQQE, un modèle optimal a également été développé afin d'identifier la meilleure stratégie de contrôle de la salinisation du lac pour le futur. Les résultats montrent que les modèles développés peuvent être utilisés pour représenter les processus physiques de salinisation du Lac Bosten et pour produire une information pertinente en vue du contrôle de cette salinisation.

Exploring the Effects of Hydraulic Connectivity Scenarios on the Spatial-Temporal Salinity Changes in Bosten Lake through a Model

“…It plays a significant part in wild reed and fish production, as well as wildlife breeding, and provides precious but limited water resources for industry, drinking consumption water for about 1.3 million people, around 190,000 ha of agriculture irrigation, and more than 50,000 km 2 downstream basin ecosystem. The lake water resource is of great importance for the societal stability and economic development of southern Xinjiang, as well as the ecological restoration of the lower reaches of the Tarim River watershed [6,17,34].…”

“…During 2003 to 2010, the lake water salinity increased sharply because the lake inflow significantly reduced due to a drop in precipitation; meanwhile, the water supply project of transferring water from Bosten Lake to Tarim River resulted in the growing of the lake outflow. The salinization of the lake is controlled by various elements, including the inflow, outflow, and water level of the lake, as well as the salt carried by agricultural drainage into the lake [6].…”

“…The spatial distribution of bacterial abundance was affected by the water salinity in Lake Bosten [41]. Its water salinization should be managed to supply enough water resources for the surrounding arid area, and for protecting the environment of the lake and its surroundings [6].…”

“…Through the simulations, we found that the region of the lake mainly influenced by the three scenarios presented here were different, and of the three scenarios, scenario 3 was the best means of controlling the overall lake salinity. On the basis of the salinity distribution results gained from the simulations, decision-makers can choose the ways to mitigate the salinity of the lake according to which region they want to improve the most in terms of economic efficiency and preserve in terms of ecological balance.It is a common problem that water is salinized with time in arid and semi-arid areas [5,6]. In Central Asia, many freshwater lakes have changed to oligosaline or saline lakes due to anthropogenic activities and climate change [7].…”

“…It is a common problem that water is salinized with time in arid and semi-arid areas [5,6]. In Central Asia, many freshwater lakes have changed to oligosaline or saline lakes due to anthropogenic activities and climate change [7].…”