Katarzyna Parszuto

Hydrochemical properties, bacterioplankton abundance and biomass in the meromictic Lake Starodworskie in 2004

Hydrochemical properties, bacterioplankton abundance and biomass in the meromictic Lake Starodworskie in 2004 Physicochemical and microbiological examinations were conducted on the meromictic Lake Starodworskie located in Olsztyn. The temperature profile revealed a characteristic, small increase in temperature at a depth between 13 and 14 m, and permanent anaerobic conditions in the deeper water layers. Accumulation of dissolved mineral substances enhanced the thermal stability of the lake waters; electrolytic conductivity values in the water deeper than 15 m oscillated within the range of 533 - 568 μS cm-1.

The influence of different recultivation techniques on primary production processes in a degraded urban lake

The study was conducted in Lake Długie located in Olsztyn, the Masurian Lake District. In the 1950s and in the 1960s, Lake Długie was used for 20 years as a collector of raw domestic and storm sewage. This has led to complete degradation of the lake. After preliminary protection measures implemented in the catchment, the lake was restored by artificial aeration and phosphorus inactivation methods. Long-term recultivation of the reservoir resulted in a significant and long-lasting improvement of the water quality. Before restoration, the average concentration of organic phosphorus in the surface water layer amounted to 0.166 mg Porg l−1 and of organic nitrogen — to 3.0 mg Norg l−1. After restoration, these values decreased to 0.058 mg Porg l−1 and 2.0 mg Norg l−1. The results obtained eight years after the recultivation of Lake Długie are extremely interesting. The amounts of chlorophyll a did not exceed 7 μg l−1, water transparency remained at a depth of 2.9 m, and BOD5 did not exceed 2 mg O2 l−1. These observations show that during implementation of recultivation treatments, only chemical parameters of the water significantly changed, while biological elements reacted to the treatments with some delay.

Water Quality of Lake Ełk as a Factor Connected with Tourism, Leisure and Recreation on an Urban Area

Abstract Lake Ełk as an important element of the urban landscape is associated with tourism and active recreation and because of it with the economy of the town. Since 1999 the renovation method with the use of artificial aeration with simultaneous phosphorus inactivation and also as a biological filter – BIO-HYDRO structures were applied on the lake. This process was lasting 10 years and brought only a short-term improvement. At the same time, the shores of the lake were managed to develop of lake tourism: beach, swimming pool, tennis courts, a promenade, and two a water equipment rentals. The illuminated fountain, the road bridge and well – developed catering – accommodation base were made as well.

BOTTOM DEPOSITS OF STRATIFIED, SEEPAGE, URBAN LAKE (ON EXAMPLE OF TYRSKO LAKE, POLAND) AS A FACTOR POTENTIALLY SHAPING LAKE WATER QUALITY

The object of the study was Tyrsko Lake (area 18.6 ha, max. depth 30.4 m), located in the western part of Olsztyn (Olsztyn Lakeland). This lake is one of the clear water lakes in Olsztyn, but the progressive deterioration of water quality has been observed during recent years. The phosphorus concentration in the water-sediment interface, phosphorus fractions quantity and the amount of components which can bind this element was investigated in the upper (0–5 cm) layer of deposits. The aim of study was to analyze the potential influence of bottom sediment on the lake water quality. The obtained results revealed that the bottom sediment of Tyrsko Lake can be classified as mixed, silica-organic type, with a relatively high content of iron (over 4% Fe in d.w.). The total phosphorus content was ca. 3.5 mg P g-1 d.w. on average. Phosphorus in the bottom sediment was bound mainly with organic matter (NaOH-nrP fraction), which had over 50% share in TP. Highly mobile fractions (NH4-Cl-P and BD-P) together only included ca. 5% to 7% TP. The obtained results show that the bottom sediment of Tyrsko Lake can bind phosphorus quite effectively. The calculated internal mineral phosphorus loading during summer stagnation period was 10.9 kg and it was lower that the assessed annual external phosphorus load (22.6 kg). The assessed annual phosphorus loading from both sources was still lower than the critical load according to Vollenweider criteria. However, due to the fact that the internal loading phenomenon is occurring in the lake, it should be taken into consideration that the lake water quality can deteriorate gradually during the longer time perspective. These findings should be accounted for in the future if the potential protection and restoration procedures will be developed.

A proposal of protection techniques in the catchment of a lake in the context of improving its recreational value

Abstract The study was carried out on Lake Rentyńskie (100.8 ha; 9.4 m) situated approximately 20 km to the west of Olsztyn, in the drainage basin of the rivers Giłwa and Pasłęka. The direct catchment area of the lake is 166.2 ha. Forests cover most of the drainage basin area (74%). As revealed in the study, Rentyńskie is a highly eutrophic reservoir. The lake waters were characterized by a high content of nutrients, up to 1.508 mg P dm-3 and 11.7 mg N dm-3. The high fertility of the lake was also evident in the values of chlorophyll a - 75.4 μg dm-3, and low water transparency - average 1 m. The total annual phosphorus and nitrogen load to Lake Rentyńskie, calculated according to Giercuszkiewicz-Bajtlik (1990) equals 759.0 kg of phosphorus and 31869.7 kg of nitrogen, or per unit surface 0.753 g P m-2 yr-1 and 31.611 N m-2 yr-1. Allowable and critical load levels to Lake Rentyńskie calculated according to the hydrological model of Vollenweider (1976) equal (respectively) 0.090 g P m-2 yr-1 and 0.189 g P m-2 yr-1. From a comparison between the actual phosphorus load and the values calculated according to Vollenweider it can be concluded that the loads not only exceed the allowable values by several times but also the critical values responsible for advanced eutrophication. The study showed that the River Giłwa, which flows through the reservoir, posed a major threat to the analysed lake . In order to improve the water quality in Lake Rentyńskie drastic protective measures should be taken in the basin of the River Giłwa, which is intensively used for agriculture, and also, at the point where the river enters the lake a special system to reduce the level of phosphorus compound concentrations should be set up.

Trophic state and recreational value of Lake Mikołajskie

Abstract Lakes along with their surroundings are an attractive landscape component that play an important role in recreation and relaxation. In Poland, the Great Masurian Lakeland, visited by a million tourists every year, is considered to be the most attractive lake area. However, tourist pressure has several negative effects which cause degradation of the water environment. The aim of this study was to determine the trophic state of Lake Mikołajskie which is a hub for sailing and motorboating traffic. Values of the trophic status index were calculated from the content of total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and Secchi disc visibility, according to the data from the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. In summer, the concentration of total phosphorus was 0.019–0.042 mg dm−3 in 2013 and 0.022–0.055 mg dm−3 in 2014. The concentration of chlorophyll a was in the range of 8.3–45.0 μg dm−3 in 2013 and 8.9–22.0 μg dm−3 in 2014. The maximum visibility of Secchi disc reached 2.0 m (2013) and 1.8 m (2014). Based on the calculated, Lake Mikołajskie can be classified as a eutrophic lake. In order to protect lakes from degradation tourists should be educated about the rational use of surface waters and the surrounding catchment. However, it is not only the massive influx of tourists, but also the activity of residents (dictated by economic reasons) that contribute to the pollution of lakes. Therefore, the development of tourism and the economy of the whole region should be harmonious and balanced so that the natural resources can serve us and future generations for as long as possible.