Changes and Causes of Environmental Characteristics of Ogii Lake and Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Research reveals that while Ogii Lake and the Old Orkhon River maintain clean water quality, phosphate (PO4³⁻) concentrations are significantly higher—2.7 to 3.4 times the standard level—in 2018. This increase is linked to livestock distribution around the lake and heightened discharge following summer rainfall. The study analyzed water samples from springs, streams, the lake, and groundwater over two summers (2017–2018) using standardized methods, alongside a questionnaire assessing anthropogenic impacts. It also tracked waste generation from livestock and tourists, vegetation changes via NDVI, and lake surface area shifts over decades. Findings underscore the need for sustainable management to mitigate environmental risks in this Ramsar-listed wetland.

Amgalan, M., Matsumoto, T., Ulaanbaatar, T., Yasui, H., & Enkhtsolmon, O. (2020). Changes and Causes of Environmental Characteristics of Ogii Lake and Orkhon Valley, Mongolia. Journal of Water and Environment Technology, 18(4), 199–211. https://doi.org/10.2965/jwet.19-093