The researchers studied water quality in Xiao Xingkai Lake to understand eutrophication. They found that the lake improved from medium to light eutrophic status over the years. Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were key factors affecting water quality. Water quality was worse in summer and in areas with tourism and aquaculture. The lake's trophic status fluctuated between medium and light eutrophic, and was linked to water level changes and human activities.