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Spatiotemporal evolution of dissolved oxygen and hypoxia formation mechanisms in narrow-deep channel-type reservoirs: Insights from Shuikou Reservoir, China
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Hui Li 2
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1
Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Fujian Academy of Environmental Sciences, 350012 Fujian, China
 
2
School of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction, Fujian University of Technology, 350000 Fujian, China
 
 
Publication date: 2026-05-29
 
 
Corresponding author
Chengchun Shi   

Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Fujian Academy of Environmental Sciences, 350012 Fujian, China
 
 
J. Ecol. Eng. 2026; 27(9)
 
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ABSTRACT
The dissolved oxygen (DO) dynamics in narrow-deep channel-type reservoirs under frequent hydrodynamic disturbances are distinct from those in conventional deep reservoirs. Through integrated monitoring of a representative reservoir in the Min River Basin, this study reveals that DO depletion results from the synergistic interaction of three mechanisms: thermal stratification, algal-nutrient feedback, and coupled topographic-circulation. It was found that a short-term yet thick thermocline (~20 m thickness, maximum ΔT 6.1℃) serves as the primary physical barrier to vertical oxygen exchange, causing persistent bottom hypoxia (DO < 0.5 mg/L). High-frequency flood pulses (flushing rate α = 20.38) trigger abrupt mixing events, reducing vertical DO gradients by up to 79%. Algal photosynthesis leads to surface DO supersaturation (peak 9.1 mg/L), while algal sedimentation and decomposition, coupled with benthic ammonium release (0.32 mg/L), intensify bottom oxygen consumption. Furthermore, the channelized morphology near the dam (width-to-depth ratio 41.7) interacts with sluggish circulation to expand the hypoxic zone via horizontal advection, resulting in localized, year-round hypoxia. This study clarifies the DO evolution pathway under multi-mechanism synergy, providing a mechanistic basis for hypoxia prevention and ecological management in similar reservoirs.
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