Water Management, Environmental Challenges, and Rehabilitation Strategies in the Khyargas Lake–Zavkhan River Basin, Western Mongolia: A Case Study of Ereen Lake

Tseren-Ochir Soyol-Erdene (), Ganbat Munguntsetseg, Zambuu Burmaa, Ulziibat Bilguun, Shagjjav Oyungerel, Soninkhishig Nergui, Nyam-Osor Nandintsetseg, Michael Walther and Ulrich Kamp ()
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Tseren-Ochir Soyol-Erdene: Center for Environmental Technology and Development, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia
Ganbat Munguntsetseg: Department of Environmental and Forest Engineering, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia
Zambuu Burmaa: Department of Chemistry and Biology, Khovd Branch of National University of Mongolia, Khovd 84140, Mongolia
Ulziibat Bilguun: Department of Environmental and Forest Engineering, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia
Shagjjav Oyungerel: Department of Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia
Soninkhishig Nergui: Department of Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia
Nyam-Osor Nandintsetseg: Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
Michael Walther: UNESCO Chair on Environmental Sciences in Eastern Central Asia, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 15170, Mongolia
Ulrich Kamp: Earth and Environment Discipline, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA

Geographies, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1-22

Abstract: The depletion of water resources caused by climate change and human activities is a pressing global issue. Lake Ereen is one of the ten natural landmarks of the Gobi-Altai of western Mongolia is included in the list of “important areas for birds” recognized by the international organization Birdlife. However, the construction of the Taishir Hydroelectric Power Station, aimed at supplying electricity to the western provinces of Mongolia, had a detrimental effect on the flow of the Zavkhan River, resulting in a drying-up and pollution of Lake Ereen, which relies on the river as its water source. This study assesses the pollution levels in Ereen Lake and determines the feasibility of its rehabilitation by redirecting the flow of the Zavkhan River. Field studies included the analysis of water quality, sediment contamination, and the composition of flora. The results show that the concentrations of ammonium, chlorine, fluorine, and sulfate in the lake water exceed the permissible levels set by the Mongolian standard. Analyses of elements from sediments revealed elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, and copper, exceeding international sediment quality guidelines and posing risks to biological organisms. Furthermore, several species of diatoms indicative of polluted water were discovered. Lake Ereen is currently in a eutrophic state and, based on a water quality index (WQI) of 49.4, also in a “polluted” state. Mass balance calculations and box model analysis determined the period of pollutant replacement for two restoration options: drying-up and complete removal of contaminated sediments and plants vs. dilution-flushing without direct interventions in the lake. We recommend the latter being the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to rehabilitate Lake Ereen.

Keywords: climate; hydropower; IWRM; lake level; limnology; Mongolia; pollution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q15 Q5 Q53 Q54 Q56 Q57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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