The researchers studied the water quality of the New Yunliang River to understand its impact on Lake Dianchi. They analyzed how physical and chemical factors affect the river's water quality. Monitoring from August to October 2011 revealed that the lower reach of the river consistently had poor water quality, even worse than the lowest acceptable grade. As they moved further downstream, the water quality deteriorated. Factors like suspended solids, organic pollutants, and nitrogen compounds all contributed to the river's pollution, with suspended solids playing the largest role. The New Yunliang River stands out as one of the most polluted rivers feeding into Lake Dianchi.