In order to complete the required task of the state key research project on level 1 & level 2 function zoning for water ecosystem in key river basins, the research team starts detailed investigation and sampling work in Dongjiang River basin from July 8th, July to August 6th, 2009.
The research team is lead by Professor Jiang Yuan from the School of Resources, and consisted of Associate Professor Liu Quanru, Professor Wu Yongqiu, Professor Zhou Yunlong, Senior Experimentalist Guo Dongsheng from Beijing Normal University, and Associate Professor Zhang Yongxia from Shenzhen University, as well as 16 students.
The investigation work integrates survey, sampling, transportation, field and laboratory analysis, which is started from Dongjiangkou, then along several cities including Dongguan, Huizhou, Heyuan and Longchuan, and ended in Shuiyuan township of Xunwu County, Jiangxi Province. The investigation work covers 562km long main stream of Dongjiang River. 52 typical sampling zones are selected, and 156 sampling sites for investigation and research are established to investigate various problems including quality of river water, characteristics of bottom mud, river morphology, onshore and water body, aquatic and land vascular plants, fishes, zoobenthos, and phytoplankton among others. Through a number of field measured data, the investigation team has a comprehensive understanding of the water ecological problems in Dongjiang River Basin, and systematically reviews the current situations of the ecosystems of Dongjiang River Basin. The first-hand field data provides solid and reliable foundation for the filtration of key impact factors on the ecological functions of the basin, and establishment of the system of zoning indexes.
At present, all field investigation works of Phase One have been completed. The follow-up indoor testing and sample analysis works have been commenced successfully and orderly. The investigation team currently is analyzing and summing up the research achievements of Phase 1.