Hydrobiological Resources And Water-ecological Environment Assessment In The Guangrun River Basin

The Guangrun River Project is a multi function project with power generation, water supply, tourism, and also with flood control, irrigation and aquaculture. The project, completing in 2007, consists of Hongwawu Reservoir, Zhamushui Reservoir and 3 power stations, with a total designed investment of Y 28.1491 million yuan. Hydrobiogical resources in the project site were investigated in October 2004, possible effects of the project on the environment assessed, and compensation and protection measures provided in this paper.The main results included:1. 60 species (genera) of phytoplankton were found, and Bacillariophyta dominated the phytoplankton composition, amounting to 53.33% of the total species. 27 species of zooplankton were found, with 4 in Protozoa, 8 in Rotifera, 5 in Cladocera and 10 in Copepoda. Benthos was hardly found in the upper stream of the Guangrun River. The Xiaoxikou Reservoir was heavily polluted, and no benthos was found in the upper and middle stream but less aquatic worms near the dam.2. 37 species in 10 families and 4 orders were found. Cyprinids dominated the composition with 23 species, amounting to 62% of the total species. Fish species were less distributed in the upper stream, and no fish were found near Hongwawu. 20 species of reptiles in 8 families and 2 orders were found. Species in Colubridae dominated the reptile composition, amounting 40% of the total reptile species. Only 2 species of turtles were found. 12 species of Amphibians in 5 families and 2 orders were found. Species in Ranidae dominated the amphibian composition, amounting to 58.3% of the total. 10 species of the amphibians were listed endangered species in Hubei province, and 2 listed as the second class endangered species by the country.3. After the impoundment of the Hongwawu Reservoir, it would provide a better site for the growth and reproduction of fishes. After the impoundment of Zhamushui Reservoir, the habitats for lotic species would disappear. On the other hand, the increase of depth and area would provide wider and greater space for lentic species. Sections of the river would be dry after the construction of the Hongwawu Reservoir and the Zhamushui Reservoir, resulting in disappearing of aquatic organisms including fishes. Amphibians might also decrease, but turtles might increase.