Water Quality and Microbial Community in the Context of Ecological Restoration: A Case Study of the Yongding River, Beijing, China

Abstract

Ecological water replenishment via interbasin water diversion projects provides opportunities for ecological river restoration. Untangling water quality changes, microbiota dynamics, and community functions is necessary for sustainable ecological management. Using the Yongding River as a case study, we monitored the water quality and applied genomic sequencing to investigate microbial communities of the river in different stages after ecological water replenishment. Our results showed that river water quality represented by chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) did not change significantly during months after water replenishment. The bacterial community composition varied in different months and river subsections. The Cyanobium_PCC-6307, CL500-29 marine group, and Pseudomonas were dominant in the later stages after water replenishment. Water temperature, pH, and nutrient levels significantly affected the microbial community composition, and ecological restoration may have the potential to influence nitrogen cycling in the river. Our results can provide ecological insights into sustainable water quality maintenance and river management following ecological restoration enabled by ecological water replenishment.

Spatial and temporal characteristics of microbial communities in the Seine river in the greater Paris area under anthropogenic perturbation

“…Notably, findings suggest a decade-long stability, consistent with global riverine patterns. Seine water pH (∼8.0) aligns with counterparts observed in the Qing and Yongding Rivers, China [ 33 , 34 ]. Nitrate-nitrogen levels (22 mg/l) are comparable to those recorded in the Yellow River Delta [ 35 ].…”

Reconstruction of Past Water Levels in Data-Deficient Karst Springs

“…Originating from the Guanting Reservoir and snaking through the Yongding River Gorge, it reaches the plains near Sanjiadian, Yushanshan Spring, a key water source in the region, is primarily fed by the underlying karst aquifers (Figure 1b). Previous studies [34][35][36][37] highlight the Yongding River's crucial role in the spring's recharge and identifies the Jiulong Mountain-Xiangyu syncline as a secondary recharge path. Recent ecological water replenishment efforts along the river's course, including high-volume pulse discharge experiments, aim to enhance river conditions, while ongoing restoration projects focus on vegetation recovery and sustainable water use.…”

“…The relationship between Yongding River flows and Yushanshan Spring levels is intricate, influenced by climate, human activities, and geology. A comprehensive study incorporating these factors is vital for accurate predictions and effective management of these water resources [34][35][36][37].…”