Structural functions of submerged macrophytes and the cause of their degradation and ecological restoration strategies in eutrophic lakes of China

Submerged macrophytes constitute a critical structural and functional component of lake ecosystems, exerting profound influence over the spatial and temporal dynamics of biotic communities and physicochemical conditions, particularly in shallow lakes. Their establishment underpins stability by modulating nutrient cycling, light penetration, and trophic interactions, thereby serving as a regulatory nexus for ecosystem processes. In China, widespread eutrophication driven by both anthropogenic pressures and natural disturbances has led to the extensive degradation of submerged macrophytes, contributing to ecological imbalance. Restoration of submerged vegetation is crucial not only for the health and stability of lake ecosystems but also for promoting coordinated development between regional economies and the ecological environment. This review systematically summarizes the degradation patterns, causal mechanisms, and restoration strategies of submerged macrophytes in eutrophic lakes of China, providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for large-scale ecological rehabilitation and long-term sustainability of shallow freshwater ecosystems.