## 3 Conclusions  
The comparative analysis of T/O occurrences in targeted lakes, considering various nutritional states and geographic locations, has proven to be an invaluable tool for early warning systems associated with algal blooms and T/O events. This study identified management solutions for recurrent off-flavor events, emphasizing the imperative to mitigate eutrophication in surrounding watersheds while acknowledging the potential impact of lake-wide mixing on off-flavor dynamics. Additionally, the research delved into the seasonal variation and complexity of odorant dynamics, highlighting disparities in concentration trends across lake regions and variations in intra- and extracellular concentrations of odorants. These intricacies posed challenges for regulatory and removal strategies, underscoring the importance of enhanced monitoring to comprehend concentration trends in water sources. Furthermore, the global impact of cyanobacterial outbreaks on lakes and reservoirs was acknowledged, resulting in odor-related issues affecting landscape ecology and drinking water safety. This study underscored the significance of fortifying research on the spatial and temporal variations of T/O compounds and their influencing factors to provide technical guidance for controlling cyanobacteria and ensuring the safety of drinking water. The results also provided insights into managing different ecotypes facingnuisance odorant problems, necessitating the development of methods to predict metabolite production for implementing appropriate water treatment procedures. A more profound understanding of the ecology of communities involved in T/O dynamics was deemed essential for establishing proactive management strategies based on key mechanisms driving T/O dynamics. Lastly, in shallow eutrophic lakes, this study recognized the complicated and dynamic environmental conditions, recommending the future consideration of environmental factors responsible for odorant removal processes, such as volatilization and hydrodynamic movement. The call for ongoing research efforts was emphasized, highlighting the necessity of advancing our understanding and developing targeted strategies for water quality management. Overall, these collective insights underscored the complexity of T/O dynamics in water bodies and emphasized the need for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to effectively manage and mitigate associated issues. Based on the research, the following recommendations were drawn: (1) Monitoring and Surveillance: Given the severe and widespread nature of T/O issues in freshwater ecosystems, especially in China, there is a need for continuous monitoring and surveillance of T/O compounds in drinking water sources. This should include monitoring for seasonal variations and across different water layers. (2) Seasonal Considerations: The temporal analysis revealed variations in odor occurrences within the same water body across different years, emphasizing the need to consider high T/O values in all seasons for water safety. This requires a seasonally adapted water quality management strategy. (3) Targeted Interventions: Since algae were identified as crucial contributors to odor compounds, targeted interventions are needed to control algae growth. This could include physical, chemical, or biological methods tailored to the specific water body and its environmental conditions. (4) Nutrient Management: Nutrients were likely to influence T/O issues, indicating the need for nutrient management strategies to reduce algae growth and subsequent T/O production. This could involve reducing nutrient inputs from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and urban wastewater. (5) Further Research and Validation: The correlation analysis alone was insufficient to provide definitive answers, emphasizing the need for further validation, such as algae isolation and analysis of odorant sources and properties. This will require more in-depth research to understand the mechanisms behind T/O production and identify effective control measures.