Abstract: The research progress and application prospects of curtain weirs were expounded in this study by analyzing the related research in China and abroad. The algae control mechanism of curtain weirs was explored in the light of hydrodynamics, water temperature stratification, density currents and some other theories. Curtain weirs change the processes of energy exchange, water mixing and stratification using the hydrodynamic principle, and then change the light, water temperature, nutrients, and other main habitat factors that affect the growth and succession of algae, and finally control algal blooms. Before the installation of curtain weirs, the reservoir area is often divided into three segments, namely, the upstream, the midstream, and the downstream. In view of the flow characteristics of different segments, the application scope and types of curtain weirs should be considered before installation in order to achieve a better result. The present study could provide a reference for reservoir water environment protection.

Key words: curtain weir, algal blooms, hydrodynamics, water temperature stratification, density currents, reservoir