Abstract: The ecological functions of chironomids on the development of lakeeutrophication were studied through examining the influence of chironomid larvae on nitrogen and phosphorous release in sediment. The results showed that chironomid larvae stimulated visible algal growth by increasing nitrogen and phosphorous release from sediment to overlying water. There is an important relationship between such an ecological function and the development of lake eutrophication.

Key words: chironomid larvae, nitrogen and phosphorous release, eutrophication