Environmental Science Undergraduates Conduct Ecological Survey at Qiandao Lake

From July 28 to 31, 2024, a group of 14 undergraduate students majoring in Environmental Science from the 2023 cohort participated in a four-day ecological survey and internship activity at the Qiandao Lake Ecosystem Research Station, operated by the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The activity was led by Professor Peng Guotao.

During the four-day practical teaching activity, students engaged in comprehensive learning and hands-on practice at the Qiandao Lake Ecosystem Research Station, covering professional theory, sampling practice, and interactive discussions. Through thematic lectures, they gained insights into lake science, the history of the research station, issues in the Xin'an River Basin, and relevant research directions. They also acquired foundational knowledge in sampling, classifying, identifying, and conducting environmental assessments of plankton and benthic organisms.

Near the Xiaojinshan National Monitoring Section of Qiandao Lake, students conducted water quality and plankton sampling and analysis. Using rapid water quality testing instruments, they measured various water parameters and captured phytoplankton and zooplankton for microscopic observation and identification of dominant species. Throughout the practical activities, students actively participated by thinking critically, asking questions, and engaging in in-depth discussions with the instructors, gaining valuable knowledge and experience.

As part of the practical teaching activities, students and faculty visited the Chun'an County Environmental Protection Bureau to learn about the local water quality monitoring and early warning system. Through real-time monitoring at designated points via the "Clear Water Guardians" system and predictive modelling with the "Forecast and Early Warning Decision Support Platform," staff can effectively monitor, assess, and issue warnings about the water environment of the Xin'anjiang Reservoir (Qiandao Lake), ensuring its safety and stability.

In the next phase, students will analyse and organize the data collected during the Qiandao Lake ecological survey back on campus. They will engage in in-depth study and discussions on topics such as the basic elements and quality evaluation of the ecological environment and methods for assessing lake eutrophication.