The mechanisms driving changes in the stability of phosphorus (P) in sediments under lake ecosystem degradation remain poorly understood. This study investigated the P-binding forms in sediments from three plateau lakes with different trophic states in Yunnan Province, China, aiming to elucidate the responses of sediment P compositions to human activities, lake trophic status, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics. The results showed that human activity directly contributed to sediment P retention. The trophic type of lake exerted a discernible effect on P mobility in the sediments, as eutrophic algae-type lakes had a higher content of sediment mobile-P. Moreover, the sediment DOM promoted the adsorption of BD-P and NH₄Cl-P. Generally, exogenous pollution caused by human activity leads to lake eutrophication and a decline in lake ecosystem stability. This variation was largely influenced by water depth. A decrease in lake ecosystem stability leads to increased P mobility in sediments, which increases the risk of endogenous pollution. The DOM plays an important role in the mobility of sediment P. These insights offer a novel perspective for understanding how lake ecosystem characteristics are related to endogenous P loads in lakes.

Phosphorus plays a key role in water eutrophication. The release of endogenous phosphorus from sediments maintains eutrophication in Dianchi Lake. This study aimed to summarize and analyze the research trends, occurrence characteristics, adsorption and release characteristics, influencing factors, and prospects of internal phosphorus pollution control in Dianchi Lake based on a literature search and data integration. The results revealed that sediment phosphorus in Dianchi Lake has been widely studied. From previous studies, the total phosphorus (TP) content and various forms of phosphorus in the Dianchi Lake sediments have decreased since 2010. The TP contents measured in Dianchi Lake in previous research were considerably different owing to the influence of sampling depth and dredging projects. The TP content in the sediments of Dianchi Lake was higher but its release risk was lower than those in other lakes in China. The risk of release was higher in Caohai and North Waihai than that in Central Waihai and South Waihai. In addition to environmental factors at the sediment–water interface, sediment characteristics, and ecosystem degradation are important factors that affect phosphorus migration and transformation. Over the past 30 years, sediment dredging has been the primary measure for reducing the internal pollution load in Dianchi Lake. However, more accurate sediment dredging and systematic vegetation–algae–sediment co-management measures are needed for water ecosystem restoration in Dianchi Lake. This study provides new insights into the study of internal phosphorus pollution.