A comprehensive time-series dataset linked to cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Taihu

Lake Taihu has a history of recurrent harmful cyanobacterial blooms under the pressures of climate change and human activities. Despite efforts to limit nutrient loading, there is a need to better understand the water environment of Lake Taihu in order to improve methods for controlling the cyanobacterial blooms. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the water quality, bio-optical parameters, climate, and anthropogenic data of Lake Taihu (THQBCA) could provide comprehensive information regarding cyanobacterial blooms. The THQBCA dataset contains 26 variables organized into four categories: water quality, bio-optics, climate, and anthropogenic data. The dataset spans more than 15 years (8 of which cover approximately 35 years, 4 of which cover 20 years), and the spatial resolutions of the satellite-derived data range from 30 m to 500 m. The THQBCA dataset is expected to advance research on forecasting and early warning of cyanobacterial blooms, and to support science-based management decisions for sustainable ecological development.