The researchers studied the distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus in Dongting Lake. They collected samples from different areas in January and June 2012 and found higher levels of these nutrients in the eastern part of the lake and at the estuary of the Xiangjiang River. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were generally higher in June compared to January. Despite high levels of nutrients, algal blooms did not occur due to the lake's fast water flow. The overall nutrition state of the lake was moderate.