Toxic Pollution Chokes China's Largest Freshwater Lake, Threatening Millions
Human activities have significantly impacted Lake Changdang in Eastern China over the past century. By studying sediment cores, researchers found that the lake went through three main phases: a natural state, increased trophic status due to agricultural waste and fertilizers, and a spike in nutrient levels from urbanization and industrialization. Eutrophication accelerated in the 1970s due to phosphate-based fertilizers, and the lake is still transitioning to a stable state with increased productivity from algae and aquatic plants.