Abstract: We introduce the application and development of classical theories of lake ecological restoration in China and abroad, and summarized factors which play important roles in the process of lake ecological restoration and the corresponding coping strategies. These factors include internal and external nutrient, illumination, phytoplankton, sediment, and biological disturbance. Exogenous point source pollution and non-point source pollution are generally controlled by building sewage networks and artificial wetlands; whereas endogenous pollutions, for example bottom sediment, are controlled via in-situ and off-site remediation techniques. Phytoplankton, which largely affects water quality, could be regulated and controlled by adopting physical, chemical, and bio-ecological methods. Together with human disturbance, fish and other aquatic animals as well as phytoplankton affect the growth and distribution of aquatic plants. Therefore, the effect of ecological factors must be considered in the restoration of lake water body by introducing aquatic plants.

Key words: urban lakes, ecological restoration, aquatic plants, multistability theory, nutrient limitation theory, biomanipulation