Impacts of Reservoir Operation on Hydrodynamic and Thermal Conditions in a Large Deep Reservoir and the Potential Ecological Impacts
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 149, Issue 7
Abstract
Many large-deep reservoirs have been built, are under construction, or are planned in southwestern China, to meet increasingly high energy demands. The construction of dams can significantly alter the natural hydrodynamic and thermal conditions of rivers, thereby, threatening aquatic ecosystems, e.g., fish and algae communities. However, the impacts of large-deep reservoir operations on the hydrodynamic and thermal conditions and their potential influence on aquatic ecosystems have seldom been addressed. In this study, a quasi-3D hydrodynamic model is developed to describe the hydrodynamic and thermal conditions of a large deep reservoir, Nuozhadu, the largest reservoir along the Lancang River. The water temperature and flow velocity after the impoundment of the reservoir are examined. To explore how reservoir operation changes the hydrodynamic and thermal conditions, five groups of reservoir operational scenarios based on different water levels and discharge rates are conducted. Our results indicate that a lower water level combined with a higher discharge rate can increase the flow velocity and decrease the surface water temperature in the reservoir, which may contribute to diminishing the growth of Cyanobacteria. Meanwhile low water levels can also increase the outflow water temperature to protect the downstream fish. Further, the LowLevel and MaxPower schemes were designed to provide ecologically favorable hydrodynamic conditions, and to maximize power generation, respectively. The LowLevel scheme was found to reduce the duration of high surface water temperature () by 18 days annually and reduce the outflow temperature by 0.8°C in the fish spawning period, at the expense of a 10% reduction in power generation. This study contributes to a better knowledge of the linkage among hydrodynamic, thermal conditions, and ecological impacts due to reservoir operation, and provides a novel perspective regarding the ecological safety of a large deep reservoir operation.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Water temperature data used in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51925902 and 52279007). Thanks to anonymous reviewers for constructive suggestions.
References
Aldvén, D., E. Degerman, and J. Höjesjö. 2015. “Environmental cues and downstream migration of anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts.” Boreal Environ. Res. 20 (1): 35–44.
Bouffard, D., I. Kiefer, A. Wüest, S. Wunderle, and D. Odermatt. 2018. “Are surface temperature and chlorophyll in a large deep lake related? An analysis based on satellite observations in synergy with hydrodynamic modelling and in-situ data.” Remote Sens. Environ. 209 (Jun): 510–523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2018.02.056.
Bruckerhoff, L. A., K. Wheeler, K. L. Dibble, B. A. Mihalevich, B. T. Nielson, J. Wang, C. Yackulic, and J. C. Schmidt. 2022. “Water storage decisions and consumptive use may constrain ecosystem management under severe sustained drought.” J. Am. Resour.Assoc. 58 (5): 654–672. https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.13020.
Chen, Q., W. Shi, J. Huisman, S. C. Maberly, J. Zhang, J. Yu, Y. Chen, D. Tonina, and Q. Yi. 2020a. “Hydropower reservoirs on the upper Mekong River modify nutrient bioavailability downstream.” Nat. Sci. Rev. 7 (9): 1449–1457. https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaa026.
Chen, X., B. Xu, Y. Zheng, and C. Zhang. 2019. “Nexus of water, energy and ecosystems in the upper Mekong River: A system analysis of phosphorus transport through cascade reservoirs.” Sci. Total Environ. 671 (3): 1179–1191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.324.
Chen, X., Y. Zheng, B. Xu, L. Wang, F. Han, and C. Zhang. 2020b. “Balancing competing interests in the Mekong River Basin via the operation of cascade hydropower reservoirs in China: Insights from system modeling.” J. Cleaner Prod. 254 (Feb): 119967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.119967.
Cole, T. M., and S. A. Wells. 2006. CE-QUAL-W2: A two-dimensional, laterally averaged, hydrodynamic and water quality model, version 3.5. Vicksburg, MS: US Army Engineering and Research Development Center.
Daniels, M. E., and E. M. Danner. 2020. “The drivers of river temperatures below a large dam.” Water Resour. Res. 56 (5): 026751. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019WR026751.
Deltares. 2017. Delft3D flow users manual. Delft, Netherlands: Deltares.
Elliott, J., I. Jones, and S. Thackeray. 2006. “Testing the sensitivity of phytoplankton communities to changes in water temperature and nutrient load, in a temperate lake.” Hydrobiologia 559 (1): 401–411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-1233-y.
Fan, H., D. He, and H. Wang. 2015. “Environmental consequences of damming the mainstream Lancang-Mekong River: A review.” Earth Sci. Rev. 146 (3): 77–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2015.03.007.
Hanna, R. B., L. Saito, J. M. Bartholow, and J. Sandelin. 1999. “Results of simulated temperature control device operations on in-reservoir and discharge water temperatures using CE-QUAL-W2.” Lake Reservoir Manage. 15 (2): 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/07438149909353954.
Harnish, R. A., R. Sharma, G. A. McMichael, R. B. Langshaw, and T. N. Pearsons. 2014. “Effect of hydroelectric dam operations on the freshwater productivity of a Columbia River fall Chinook salmon population.” Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 71 (4): 602–615. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2013-0276.
He, W., A. Jiang, J. Zhang, H. Xu, X. Yu, S. Chen, and Y. Xiao. 2022. “Reservoir optimization operation considering regulating temperature stratification for a deep reservoir in early flood season.” J. Hydrol. 604 (12): 127253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2021.127253.
Huisman, J., G. A. Codd, H. W. Paerl, B. W. Ibelings, J. M. H. Verspagen, and P. M. Visser. 2018. “Cyanobacterial blooms.” Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 16 (8): 471–483. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-018-0040-1.
Huisman, J., J. Sharples, J. M. Stroom, P. M. Visser, W. E. A. Kardinaal, J. M. Verspagen, and B. Sommeijer. 2004. “Changes in turbulent mixing shift competition for light between phytoplankton species.” Ecology 85 (11): 2960–2970. https://doi.org/10.1890/03-0763.
Idso, S. B. 1973. “On the concept of lake stability 1.” Limnol. Oceanogr. 18 (4): 681–683. https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1973.18.4.0681.
Ji, Z. 2017. Hydrodynamics and water quality: Modeling rivers, lakes, and estuaries. New York: Wiley.
Kim, S., R. Mehrotra, S. Kim, and A. Sharma. 2020. “Probabilistic forecasting of cyanobacterial concentration in riverine systems using environmental drivers.” J. Hydrol. 2020 (1): 125626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125626.
King, A. J., K. Ward, P. O’connor, D. Green, Z. Tonkin, and J. Mahoney. 2010. “Adaptive management of an environmental watering event to enhance native fish spawning and recruitment.” Freshwater Biol. 55 (1): 17–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.2009.02178.x.
King, I. P. 1988. A model for three dimensional density stratified flow. Davis, CA: Resource Management Associates.
Kondolf, G. M., Z. K. Rubin, and J. T. Minear. 2014. “Dams on the Mekong: Cumulative sediment starvation.” Water Resour. Res. 50 (6): 5158–5169. https://doi.org/10.1002/2013WR014651.
Kosten, S., V. L. Huszar, E. Bécares, L. S. Costa, E. van Donk, L. A. Hansson, E. Jeppesen, C. Kruk, G. Lacerot, and N. Mazzeo. 2012. “Warmer climates boost cyanobacterial dominance in shallow lakes.” Global Change Biol. 18 (1): 118–126. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2011.02488.x.
Li, K., X. Cao, J. Wen, and Y. Jian. 2017. “Comparative analysis between numerically simulated water temperature and measured water temperature during commissioning of stoplog gate for Nuozhadu hydropower station.” Water Resour. Hydropower Eng. 48 (11): 156–162. https://doi.org/10.13928/j.cnki.wrahe.2017.11.026.
Li, X., S. Guo, P. Liu, and G. Chen. 2010. “Dynamic control of flood limited water level for reservoir operation by considering inflow uncertainty.” J. Hydrol. 391 (1): 124–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.07.011.
Li, Y., H. Zhang, J. Xiao, X. Qiu, and B. Wang. 2019. “Effects of river hydrology on phytoplankton dynamics in dammed rivers.” Earth Environ. 47 (6): 857–863. https://doi.org/10.14050/j.cnki.1672-9250.2019.47.144.
Lindim, C., J. Pinho, and J. Vieira. 2011. “Analysis of spatial and temporal patterns in a large reservoir using water quality and hydrodynamic modeling.” Ecol. Modell. 222 (14): 2485–2494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2010.07.019.
Long, L., H. Xu, Z. Bao, D. Ji, and D. Liu. 2018. “Temporal and spatial characteristics of water temperature in Xiluodu Reservoir.” J. Hydroelectric Eng. 37 (4): 79–89.
Martin, J. L., and S. C. McCutcheon. 2018. Hydrodynamics and transport for water quality modeling. London: CRC Press.
Mu, Z., Y. Wang, J. Wu, Y. Cheng, J. Lu, C. Chen, F. Zhao, Y. Li, M. Hu, and Y. Bao. 2020. “The influence of cascade reservoir construction on sediment biogenic substance cycle in Lancang River from the perspective of phosphorus fractions.” Ecol. Eng. 158 (Dec): 106051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2020.106051.
Mulligan, K. B., A. Haro, B. Towler, B. Sojkowski, and J. Noreika. 2019. “Fishway entrance gate experiments with adult American Shad.” Water Resour. Res. 55 (12): 10839–10855. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR024400.
Olden, J. D., and R. J. Naiman. 2010. “Incorporating thermal regimes into environmental flows assessments: Modifying dam operations to restore freshwater ecosystem integrity.” Freshwater Biol. 55 (1): 86–107. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.2009.02179.x.
Peng, W., B. Liu, J. Qiu, H. Zeng, M. Zhang, and D. Li. 2020. “The ecological flow of the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River based on priority protection fishes identification.” Acta Sci. Nat. Univ. Sunyatseni 59 (3): 43–50. https://doi.org/10.13471/j.cnki.acta.snus.2020.03.005.
Platzek, F. W., G. S. Stelling, J. A. Jankowski, and J. D. Pietrzak. 2014. “Accurate vertical profiles of turbulent flow in z-layer models.” Water Resour. Res. 50 (3): 2191–2211. https://doi.org/10.1002/2013WR014411.
Su, M., D. Jia, J. Yu, R. D. Vogt, J. Wang, W. An, and M. Yang. 2017. “Reducing production of taste and odor by deep-living cyanobacteria in drinking water reservoirs by regulation of water level.” Sci. Total Environ. 574 (Jun): 1477–1483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.134.
Taranu, Z. E., R. W. Zurawell, F. Pick, and I. Gregory-Eaves. 2012. “Predicting cyanobacterial dynamics in the face of global change: The importance of scale and environmental context.” Global Change Biol. 18 (12): 3477–3490. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12015.
Visser, P. M., J. M. Verspagen, G. Sandrini, L. J. Stal, H. C. Matthijs, T. W. Davis, H. W. Paerl, and J. Huisman. 2016. “How rising CO2 and global warming may stimulate harmful cyanobacterial blooms.” Harmful Algae 54 (12): 145–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2015.12.006.
Wang, Y., Y. Li, and P. Zhang. 2019. “Summary of intelligent reservoir dispatching of cascade hydropower system in Lancang river basin.” Tech. Supervision Water Resour. 2019 (5): 59–61.
Weber, M., K. Rinke, M. R. Hipsey, and B. Boehrer. 2017. “Optimizing withdrawal from drinking water reservoirs to reduce downstream temperature pollution and reservoir hypoxia.” J. Environ. Manage. 197 (3): 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.03.020.
Wu, H., et al. 2019. “Effects of dam construction on biodiversity: A review.” J. Cleaner Prod. 221 (3): 480–489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.001.
Xu, Z., X. Cai, X. Yin, M. Su, Y. Wu, and Z. Yang. 2019. “Is water shortage risk decreased at the expense of deteriorating water quality in a large water supply reservoir?” Water Res. 165 (11): 114984. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.114984.
Xu, Z., X. Yin, T. Sun, Y. Cai, Y. Ding, W. Yang, and Z. Yang. 2017. “Labyrinths in large reservoirs: An invisible barrier to fish migration and the solution through reservoir operation.” Water Resour. Res. 53 (1): 817–831. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016WR019485.
Yi, Y., C. Tang, Z. Yang, and X. Chen. 2014. “Influence of Manwan Reservoir on fish habitat in the middle reach of the Lancang River.” Ecol. Eng. 69 (Apr): 106–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2014.03.026.
Yin, X., Z. Yang, and G. E. Petts. 2011. “Reservoir operating rules to sustain environmental flows in regulated rivers.” Water Resour. Res. 47 (8): 9991. https://doi.org/10.1029/2010WR009991.
Yindong, T., X. Xiwen, Q. Miao, S. Jingjing, Z. Yiyan, Z. Wei, W. Mengzhu, W. Xuejun, and Z. Yang. 2021. “Lake warming intensifies the seasonal pattern of internal nutrient cycling in the eutrophic lake and potential impacts on algal blooms.” Water Res. 188: 116570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116570.
Yu, X., D. He, and P. Phousavanh. 2019. Balancing river health and hydropower requirements in the Lancang River Basin. Berlin: Springer.
Zhang, C., L. Ding, C. Ding, L. Chen, J. Sun, and X. Jiang. 2018. “Responses of species and phylogenetic diversity of fish communities in the Lancang River to hydropower development and exotic invasions.” Ecol. Indic. 90 (4): 261–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.03.004.
Zhang, C., Y. Zhang, Y. Wu, Y. Li, and H. Chen. 2022. “Reservoir ecological regulation strategy to alleviate water temperature imbalances.” [In Chinese.] Adv. Water Sci. 34 (1): 134–143.
Zhang, H., J. Chang, C. Gao, H. Wu, Y. Wang, K. Lei, R. Long, and L. Zhang. 2019. “Cascade hydropower plants operation considering comprehensive ecological water demands.” Energy Convers. Manage. 180 (Apr): 119–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.10.072.
Zheng, T., Z. Liu, S. Sun, H. Liu, Z. Niu, and G. Li. 2017. “Dimensional analysis of water temperature withdrawn and influencing factors in thermal stratified reservoir.” J. Hydraul. Eng. 48 (9): 1030–1038. https://doi.org/10.13243/j.cnki.slxb.20170380.
Ziaie, R., B. Mohammadnezhad, M. Taheriyoun, A. Karimi, and S. Amiri. 2019. “Evaluation of thermal stratification and eutrophication in Zayandeh Roud Dam Reservoir using two-dimensional CE-QUAL-W2 model.” J. Environ. Eng. 145 (6): 05019001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001529.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 149 • Issue 7 • July 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 22, 2021
Accepted: Mar 8, 2023
Published online: May 10, 2023
Published in print: Jul 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Oct 10, 2023
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.