Abstract: In order to investigate the impacts of anti-seepage channel construction on the river ecosystem in Gobi area and to provide reference for the sustainable development policy of agricultural oasis in Qaidam Basin, we compared the water quality of surface rivers, the riparian vegetation, and the physical and chemical properties of soil before and after the construction of anti-seepage channels in Dagele watershed through field sampling and laboratory analysis based on socio-economic surveys. Results reveal that 1) constructed anti-seepage channels could purify river water quality, but the effect is insignificant (P＞0.05); 2) anti-seepage channels are not conducive to the reproduction and growth of riparian vegetation in Gobi area, with the average coverage ratio decreased by 4.5%, biomass decreased by 330.2 kg/hm², and vegetation mortality increased by 6.5%; 3) the soil texture displayed a degrading trend (P＜0.05), with the sand content increasing by 8.68% and organic substances decreased by 0.53 g/kg. Ecological sluices at the outlet of mountains are recommended for the flood diversion and irrigation in flood season. Ecological water conservancy projects should also be constructed to achieve a sustainable development of eco-environment in the basin.

Key words: Qaidam Basin, Dagele river watershed, anti-seepage channels, ecosystem, sustainable development