[Eco-environmental evolution inferred from n-alkanes and delta13C records in the sediments of Shijiu Lake].

The study of global changes has focused on the reconstruction of paleovegetation and paleoclimate by n-alkanes and delta13C. 210Pb contents were measured for dating. The distribution characteristics of n-alkanes and delta13C were used to indicate the source of the organic matter in the sediments of Shijiu Lake. The relationship between modern eco-environmental evolution and human behaviors was discussed in this paper. The combination characteristics of n-alkanes showed a significant odd-even predominance in high-carbon number and main peak at C29, suggesting that the organic matter in the sediments were mainly derived from macrophytes and terrestrial higher plants. The delta13C contents of C27, C29 and C31 n-alkanes were analyzed. Results indicated that C3 plants are the dominant species. The distribution characteristics of n-alkanes and delta13C in different periods revealed the impact of human behaviors on Shijiu Lake. From 1862 to 1970, the low relative content of TOC, TN, C17-C25 and the light delta13C25-31 values showed that there were less human behaviors effects on Shijiu Lake and the eco-environment around the lake was stable. From 1970 to 1983, the relative content of TOC, TN and C17-C25 increased significantly, the delta13C25-31 values became weight. In this period, large areas of Shijiu Lake turned into farmland; pollution by fertilizers and pesticides was serious; large amounts of industrial and domestic wastewater were discharged into the lake. All these human behaviors resulted in the degradation of terrestrial higher plants around the lake. Meanwhile, the eutrophication levels were significantly increased. From 1983 to 2010, the relative contents of TOC, TN and C17-C25 were still in high-value ranges, the problem of eutrophication was not effectively controlled and the eco-environment of Shijiu Lake was relatively degradated.