Abstract: In this paper we briefly introduce the development of the Basin Water Environmental Research Department (BWERD) of Changjiang(Yangtze) River Scientific Research Institute in the past decade since its inception, and systematically summarize its major achievements and innovations in science and technology. (i) A laboratory of water environment and ecology with complete functions has been established, based on which over 130 items related to water quality can be measured, including 109 items specified by Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water (GB 3838—2002), and their measurement has passed China Inspection Body and Laboratory Mandatory Approval. Moreover, an advanced numerical simulation platform for basin water environment has been established and a pilot site for river and lake ecological restoration technologies has been set up. (ii) Characteristic achievements in scientific research include: multi-nonpoint source nutrients transport mechanism and ecological prevention practices based on water and sediment processes, impacts of rural hydropower on environment and ecology and corresponding measurements, eco-hydrological processes simulation and risk assessment of river-lake system connectivity, phosphorus transport patterns under water and sediment regulation in large reservoirs, occurrence characteristics and ecological risks of specific pollutants in typical regions of the Yangtze River Basin, habitat formation mechanism of fishes in the source region of the Yangtze River, changing patterns of river and lake environment in Plateaus, and monitoring, analysis, management, and protection of water quality in drinking water sources, etc. (iii) Main achievements in technology include: mobile water purification system for eutrophic water bodies in lakes and reservoirs, algae growth suppression technology based on micro-electric electrolysis, eco-hydrological remediation technology for cadmium contaminated soil, sterilization technology for rural decentralized water supply based on micro-electric electrolysis, and modification and resource utilization technology for copperflotation tailings, etc.. Last but not the least, we examine the shortages that have arisen in the development of the BWERD, and expect the focus of future research in the light of the current situation.

Key words: basin water environment and water ecology, water eutrophication, rural hydropower, drinking water source, specific pollutant in water, water network connectivity, plateau rivers and lakes