Review of environmental conditions in the water level fluctuation zone: Perspectives on riparian vegetation engineering in the Three Gorges Reservoir

Abstract

We reviewed the current ecological and environmental conditions within the water level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. This zone encountered several eco-environmental problems, including the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, challenges for land use, non-point-source pollution, nutrient accumulation, and heavy metal pollution, which seriously affected the ecological integrity and water quality of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Our review revealed that vegetation restoration of the water level fluctuation zone may be an ideal system response to cope with its eco-environmental problems. Further, riparian vegetation had potential in reducing soil erosion, preventing nutrient accumulation, and adsorbing heavy metal pollutants in this fluctuation zone. We also described remedial riparian vegetation engineering in the Three Gorges Reservoir fluctuation zone: both past and potential. Vegetation engineering will be critical for improving the eco-environmental conditions in the fluctuation zone, and for maintaining ecological integrity of the Reservoir. Recommendations for on-going remedial actions were provided.