Are nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios of Chinese lakes actually increasing?
Boqiang Qin, Yunlin Zhang, Guangwei Zhu, Zhijun Gong, Jianming Deng, David P. Hamilton, Guang Gao, Kun� Shi, Jian Zhou, Keqiang Shao, Mengyuan Zhu, Yongqiang Zhou, Xiangming Tang, Liang Li
Abstract
Tong et al. demonstrate an increased mass ratio of total nitrogen to total phosphorus (TN:TP) and decreased TP concentration in many Chinese lakes in association with widespread construction of sewage collection and treatment plants during 2008 to 2017. We argue this conclusion is not true and likely leads to reduced pressure for nutrient loading reduction.
Topics & Concepts
PhosphorusNitrogenNutrientEnvironmental chemistrySewageAnimal scienceEnvironmental scienceChemistryEcologyBiologyEnvironmental engineeringOrganic chemistryAquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton DynamicsSoil and Water Nutrient DynamicsFish Ecology and Management Studies