Role of Lake Aquatic–Terrestrial Ecotones in the Ecological Restoration of Eutrophic Water Bodies

Abstract

Freshwater lake eutrophication is a global concern causing adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. The degradation of lake aquatic–terrestrial ecotones, which are the transitional zones between terrestrial and water ecosystems, contributes to eutrophication. These ecotones play vital roles in nutrient cycling, runoff control, biodiversity conservation, and habitat provision. In the past three decades, the research on lake aquatic–terrestrial ecotones has focused on techniques for managing contaminants and runoff purification. This paper reviews the recent studies on the restoration ability of eutrophic water bodies in lake aquatic–terrestrial ecotones in recent years regarding three aspects: the establishment, restoration mechanism, and improvement of restoration function. In addition, ecological factors such as lakeshore height, water level, surface runoff, shallow groundwater level, and rainfall intensity have impacts on the restoration capacity of lake aquatic–terrestrial ecotones.