Risk Assessment and Driving Mechanisms of Sediment Phosphorus Release in Deep-water Reservoirs Based on Multidimensional Risk Model and Machine Learning
1 South-to-North Water Diversion Middle Line Water Source Co., Ltd., Shiyan 442700, China
2 State Key Laboratory of RegionalEnvironment and Sustainability, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
3 Changjiang Water Resources Protection Institute, Wuhan 430051, China
To assess the ecological risk of phosphorus release from sediments in deep reservoirs and ensure water quality safety in the Danjiangkou Reservoir, the core water source area for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, a three-dimensional risk index model coupling AD (active driver), MP (mobility potential), and ES (environmental stress) was innovatively developed. By integrating the diffusive gradients in thin-films, high-resolution peeper techniques, and machine learning, this research systematically reveals the spatiotemporal patterns and multidimensional driving mechanisms of sediment phosphorus release risk in deep reservoirs. Results show a low risk across the reservoir during the dry season. In the wet season, however, the deep enclosed bays and the deep inflow river mouth areas shift into ultra-high-risk hotspots. During this period, increased external inputs coupled with anaerobic conditions induced by thermal stratification enhance the amplification of AD and ES indices. This forms a dual risk mechanism characterized by “hypoxia stress and external enrichment,” elevating overall risk. Random forest analysis identifies DObottom (bottom dissolved oxygen) as the most critical factor, with a threshold effect observed. High risk of sediment phosphorus release is triggered directly by DObottom less than 3.5 mg/L. Notably, concentration of DGTP>0.35 mg/L can still cause moderate risk even under aerobic conditions. Nonlinear interactions between DObottom-DGTP and DObottom-ΔT are identified as core drivers of risk escalation. The former interaction primarily reflects biochemical synergy, while the latter underscores physicochemical coupling. Regarding inhibition mechanisms, shallow areas maintains high DObottom and weak stratification due to strong mixing, significantly mitigating MP risk. The transition zone forms a dual inhibitory barrier through the simultaneous reduction of both AD and MP. This study reveals the spatial mechanism whereby “topographic confinement-water depth gradient-external input” regulate AD, MP, and ES through cascade effects, providing a scientific basis for precise control of endogenous phosphorus in deep reservoirs.
QIN He, LI Yang, ZHANG Yi, XI Gang-zheng, WANG Chao, ZHANG Xiao-yue.
Risk Assessment and Driving Mechanisms of Sediment Phosphorus Release in Deep-water Reservoirs Based on Multidimensional Risk Model and Machine Learning[J].
Science Technology and Engineering, 2026, 26(18): 7951-7960 DOI:10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2507346
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