Józef Górski

Identification of groundwater chemistry origins in a regional aquifer system (Wielkopolska region, Poland)

This paper describes the origin of the groundwater chemistry in the regional aquifer located in the Wielkopolska region of western Poland. Factor analysis was used for the identification of geochemical processes that influence the groundwater chemistry. Two groups of processes were identified: anthropogenic (i.e., caused by groundwater contamination) and geogenic (i.e., caused by natural geochemical processes). Based on a background of the natural variations in the groundwater chemistry, the effect of upward groundwater flow from the deep part of the flow system on the groundwater chemistry was identified. The boron concentrations and isotope data allowed for the identification of zones of relatively old groundwater. The spatial distribution of fluoride concentrations allowed for the identification of recharge zones. This study demonstrates the general usefulness of groundwater chemistry differentiation for supporting identification of groundwater flow patterns. It also demonstrates the importance of using chemical data to evaluate the connectivity between different aquifers. These interpretations can be used for better management of water resources on a regional scale.

Nitrate pollution in the Warta River (Poland) between 1958 and 2016: trends and causes

The article presents analyses of long-term water quality data from the Warta River between 1958 and 2016. A clear increasing trend in nitrate concentrations was observed from 1958 to the early 1990s. This trend was mainly related to the increasing use of fertilizers in Poland in this period. Then, after the early 1990s, a slow decreasing trend related to improvements in water and sewage management and more rational fertilizer use was observed after political and economic changes in Poland. The influence of long-term hydrological droughts on nitrate concentrations was also investigated. Sharp increases in the nitrate concentration in surface water were related to the accumulation of contaminants in the soil and aeration zone during drought periods and the subsequent transport of these contaminants to groundwater and surface water via recharge infiltration after each drought period. The presented results highlight the importance of surface water–groundwater interactions and suggest that groundwater protection in an entire catchment area is essential for surface water quality protection.

Quality of Riverbank Filtrated Water on the Base of Poznań City (Poland) Waterworks Experiences

The article presents the results of 2-year investigation of riverbank filtrated water quality drawn from the wells situated at a three different distances to Warta River. The big influence on water quality abstracted from the drainage, horizontal well (with drains placed 5 m below the river bottom) and vertical wells situated 70–80 m from the river have been stated. This influence is visible in contamination of water with bacteria and planktonic organisms as well as nitrates and micropollutants. In the wells situated with far away distance from the river (250–1,100 m) and increasing of ground water portions in wells recharge, contaminations from the river water are almost not observed. However, the gradually increase of organic matter in the aquifer is visible. In the light of this investigation, the localization of wells at the distance of 150–250 m to the river is recommended.

Assessment of metal concentrations in tap-water – from source to the tap: a case study from Szczecin, Poland

Abstract The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe and Mn were determined in June 2010 for 100 tap-water samples, collected directly at consumers in the older part of the city of Szczecin (Poland). Increased concentrations of metals were thus detected. This concerns mainly Fe (19% of samples showed concentrations above drinking-water quality standards) and Pb (5%). In some samples, the maximum admissible concentration levels for Mn, Cu and Ni were also exceeded. This was not the case for Al, despite the use of aluminium compounds during water treatment; the Al concentrations in treated water were, however, significantly higher than in raw water. It was also found that (1) the corrosive properties of water (low alkalinity and increased concentration of sulphates), (2) the water-treatment processes causing a decrease of the pH and an increase of the CO2, and (3) transport of the treated water over long distances (30 km) provide favourable conditions for the leaching of metals from water-pipe networks. The type of material used in domestic plumbing and the content of Ce, Fe, Mn, Ni and Cd in the tap-water at consumers show a correlation. The high content of Pb is mainly a result of lead pipes connecting the network to the buildings