Multiple methods were used to characterize the WEON in Lake Erhai sediment.
Erhai sediment WEON comprised predominantly high molecular weight WEON species.
Abundant humic substances aliphatic compounds, stable to biodegradation.
PIII + V,n/PI + II + IV,n was taken as an indicator for WEON content in Erhai sediments.
The composition and structure of the WEON affect the sediment properties.