Pollution Governance in the Lake Taihu Basin: Achievements and Challenges

Following the drinking water crisis induced by harmful algal blooms in Lake Taihu in 2007, industrial restructuring and systematic pollution treatment projects were synchronously conducted to control pollutions in Lake Taihu basin. This paper conducts a systematic review of integrated pollution governance in the Lake Taihu Basin to conduct an exploration of sustainability in developing areas. Critical assessment of the conceptual frameworks and implementation strategies from the aspects of governance concept, technology application and environmental benefits have been made through multi-year water quality monitoring. The results showed that the total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorous (TP) loads entering the lake decreased by 45.6% and 36.6% in 2008–2023, and the water quality of Lake Tiahu and all 15 major inflow rivers met or exceeded Grade III standards in 2024, according to the National Standard for Surface Water Quality. The lake ecosystem has showed signs of restoration via a decline in the extent and intensity of toxic cyanobacterial bloom. At same time, the local economics have been developed without halting due to the pollution governance, which demonstrates a feasible pathway for both pollution management and economic development. This synergistic governance with both soft and hard measures implemented in Lake Taihu basin has reference significance for other developing countries toward sustainability around the world.