The researchers studied the phytoplankton community and water quality in Jialing River after Caojie Reservoir was built. They found 145 different types of phytoplankton, with Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta being the most common. The abundance of phytoplankton was highest in spring. The reservoir created different ecological regions that affected the phytoplankton. The diversity of species indicated a medium level of eutrophication and light to moderate pollution in the water.