Waldemar Kociuba

Changeability of Movable Bed-Surface Particles in Natural, Gravel-Bed Channels and Its Relation to Bedload Grain Size Distribution (Scott River, Svalbard)

Abstract The presented paper analyses the variability of grain size distribution parameters of bedload transported by the gravel‐bed cott iver (valbard) draining a glacier catchment with an area of 10 km2. The grain size distribution analysis is one of the basic elements of identification of the fluvial transport mechanisms in gravel‐bed rivers. It is used for the determination of threshold values for bedload movement. It is also treated as an important indicator of the origin, routes of distribution, and conditions of transport and deposition of fluvial bedload. The field study in a natural proglacial gravel‐bed channel was carried out at two reaches in the mouth section of cott iver. The study revealed relatively high temporal variability and similar mean parameters of grain size distribution in conditions of low discharges. Bedload transport rates reached a mean of 71.9–76.0 kg d−1 in channel cross‐section. Bedload texture was dominated by gravels with a proportional contribution of the fine‐grained fraction along with very fine‐grained gravels (8‐2 mm) of 38.8%. The medium‐grained fraction (16‐8 mm) constituted 33.7%, with a lower contribution from the coarse‐grained fraction (32‐16 mm) of 23.2%, and the very coarse‐grained fraction (64‐32 mm) of 4.4%. Two periods in the course of bedload transport and distribution of grain size distribution parameters were distinguished based on variation of hydro‐meteorological conditions. The first half of the measurement period was distinguished by significantly higher values of daily loads and increased contribution of the coarse‐grained and very coarse‐grained fraction (28–31% and 6.2–6.6%, respectively). During this time, the river discharged up to 94% of bedload. This resulted in a clear tendency for riverbed scouring. The second half was distinguished by generally low daily bedload transport rates (<10 kg d−1), an increase in contribution of fine‐ and very fine‐grained gravels (42–55.6%), and a change in the tendency to aggradation. Grain size indices were more varied, and grains were usually finer and better sorted. Selective transport processes, often related to redeposition, were dominant in the channel. Along with an increase in flow velocity, conditions for material deposition became more variable. This was manifested in weaker sorting and an increase in grain diameter.

VARIABILITY OF SEDIMENT TRANSPORT IN THE SCOTT RIVER CATCHMENT (SVALBARD) DURING THE HYDROLOGICALLY ACTIVE SEASON OF 2009

Abstract Investigations of fluvial transport in the glacial river catchment (Scott River, Spitsbergen) were conducted in the melt season of 2009. A special attention was given to dynamics and distribution of bedload transport − the major component of fluvial transport in a proglacial gravel-bed river. Bed-load transport rate was determined using the River Bedload Traps (RBT) constructed for the project’s need. The obtained results indicate high diversity of bedload transport, the amount of which reached up to 220 kg m-1 day-1 for twenty-four hours in particular measurement sites. The results confirmed also great variability of local intensity fluvial processes in polar zone.

Runoff Variability in the Scott River (SW Spitsbergen) in Summer Seasons 2012–2013 in Comparison with the Period 1986–2009

Abstract River runoff variability in the Scott River catchment in the summer seasons 2012 and 2013 has been presented in comparison to the multiannual river runoff in 1986–2009. Both in particular seasons and in the analysed multiannual, high variability of discharge rate was recorded. In the research periods 2012–2013, a total of 11 952 water stages and 20 flow rates were measured in the analysed cross-section for the determination of 83 daylong discharges. The mean multiannual discharge of the Scott River amounted to 0.96 m3·s−1. The value corresponds to a specific runoff of 94.6 dm3·s−1·km2, and the runoff layer 937 mm. The maximum values of daily discharge amounted to 5.07 m3·s−1, and the minimum values to 0.002 m3·s−1. The highest runoff occurs in the second and third decade of July, and in the first and second decade of August. The regime of the river is determined by a group of factors, and particularly meteorological conditions affecting the intensity of ablation, and consequently river runoff volume. We found a significant correlation (0.60 in 2012 and 0.67 in 2013) between the air temperature and the Scott River discharge related to the Scott Glacier ice melt.

Water chemistry of tundra lakes in the periglacial zone of the Bellsund Fiord (Svalbard) in the summer of 2013

Climate changes observed in the Arctic (e.g. permafrost degradation, glacier retreat) may have significant influence on sensitive polar wetlands. The main objectives of this paper are defining chemical features of water within six small arctic lakes located in Bellsund (Svalbard) in the area of continuous permafrost occurrence. The unique environmental conditions of the study area offer an opportunity to observe phenomena influencing water chemistry, such as: chemical weathering, permafrost thawing, marine aerosols, atmospheric deposition and biological inputs. In the water samples collected during the summer 2013, detailed tundra lake water chemistry characteristics regarding ions, trace elements, pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (SEC25) analysis were determined. Moreover, water chemistry of the studied lakes was compared to the water samples from the Tyvjobekken Creek and precipitation water samples. As a final step of data analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed. Detailed chemical analysis allowed us to conclude what follows: (1) Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, Sr are of geogenic origin, (2) NO3- present in tundra lakes and the Tyvjobekken Creek water samples (ranging from 0.31 to 1.69mgL-1 and from 0.25 to 1.58mgL-1 respectively) may be of mixed origin, i.e. from biological processes and permafrost thawing, (3) high contribution of non-sea-salt SO42->80% in majority of studied samples indicate considerable inflow of sulphate-rich air to the study area, (4) high content of chlorides in tundra lakes (range: 25.6-32.0% meqL-1) indicates marine aerosol influence, (5) PCA result shows that atmospheric transport may constitute a source of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, Ba and Cd. However, further detailed inter-season and multi-seasonal study of tundra lakes in the Arctic are recommended. Especially in terms of detailed differentiation of sources influence (atmospheric transport vs. permafrost degradation).

Isolation and characterization of Arctic microorganisms decomposing bioplastics

The increasing amount of plastic waste causes significant environmental pollution. In this study, screening of Arctic microorganisms which are able to degrade bioplastics was performed. In total, 313 microorganisms were isolated from 52 soil samples from the Arctic region (Spitsbergen). Among the isolated microorganisms, 121 (38.66%) showed biodegradation activity. The ability of clear zone formation on emulsified poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) was observed for 116 microorganisms (95.87%), on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) for 73 microorganisms (60.33%), and on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) for 102 microorganisms (84.3%). Moreover, the growth of microorganisms on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) agar plates was observed for 56 microorganisms (46.28%). Based on the 16S rRNA sequence, 10 bacterial strains which showed the highest ability for biodegradation were identified as species belonging to Pseudomonas sp. and Rhodococcus sp. The isolated fungal strains were tested for polycaprolactone films and commercial corn and potato starch bags degradation under laboratory conditions. Strains 16G (based on the analysis of a partial 18S rRNA sequence, identified as Clonostachys rosea) and 16H (identified as Trichoderma sp.) showed the highest capability for biodegradation. A particularly high capability for biodegradation was observed for the strain Clonostachys rosea, which showed 100% degradation of starch films and 52.91% degradation of PCL films in a 30-day shake flask experiment. The main advantage of the microorganisms isolated from Arctic environment is the ability to grow at low temperature and efficient biodegradation under this condition. The data suggest that C. rosea can be used in natural and laboratory conditions for degradations of bioplastics.

Effective Method for Continuous Measurement of Bedload Transport Rates by Means of River Bedload Trap (RBT) in a Small Glacial High Arctic Gravel-Bed River

The determination of the threshold values and parameters of bedload transport in river beds is necessary for undertaking effective hydrotechnical works, including anti-flood, retention, energy engineering measures, etc. This paper presents a new device for the continuous measurement of movable bed-surface particles, namely the “River Bedload Trap—RBT” [European patent No. EP 2333161]. The article discusses the methodological difficulties in the effective estimation of bedload transport rate. It presents an innovative measurement strategy and device with the potential to satisfy the stringent requirements set by fluvial geomorphology and hydrotechnical analyses. The applied technical solution based on direct continuous measurement and anchored RBT sets is analysed in detail and compared to the existing measurement systems. The study confirmed the high effectiveness of the implemented measurement strategy and technical solution for quantitative bedload transport rates and flux. The application of RBT for continuous monitoring of bedload flux in the conditions of High Arctic gravel-bed rivers was evidenced to permit obtaining high efficiency and credible results.

Studies on the presence and spatial distribution of anthropogenic pollutants in the glacial basin of Scott Glacier in the face of climate change (Fiord Bellsund, Spitsbergen)

The study area covered the NW part of the Wedel Jarlsberg Land (SW part of the Svalbard Archipelago). The primary study object was the catchment of the Scott Glacier in the vicinity of the Research Station of of Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin - Calypsobyen. The Scott River catchment (of glacial hydrological regime) has an area of approximately 10 km2, 40% of which is occupied by the valley Scott Glacier in the phase of strong recession. The present study concerns the determination of physical and chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, TOC) and concentrations of pollutants (phenols, aldehydes).

Hydroclimatic and Geological Conditions of the Variability of Fluvial Transport Rate in the Upper Part of the Wieprz River Catchment

Abstract The article summarises the results of observations conducted in the periods 1989-1992, 1998-2000, and 2001- 2003 in the catchment of the Roztocze section of the Wieprz River with an area of 404 km2. The presented results of the study on fluvial transport document the response of an upland river to variable hydro-climatic conditions. Fluvial transport rate in periods extreme in hydrological terms was compared. In the conditions of low water stages (1989- 1992) and mean annual discharges lower than the mean multiannual by 19%, the Wieprz River discharged an average of 13300 tonnes of solutions and 485 tonnes of suspensions annually. The unitary indices amounted to 32.7 and 1.2 t/ km2/year, respectively. In the years 1998-2000, in the conditions of high water stages and mean annual discharges higher than the multiannual by 41%, the Wieprz River discharged approximately 22,800 tonnes of solutions and 981 tonnes of suspensions annually. The unitary indices increased proportionately to 56.2 t/km2/year and 2.4 t/km2/year, respectively. In the years 2001-2003, in the conditions of variable water stages and discharges higher than the multiannual by 12%, the Wieprz River discharged an average of approximately 17,500 tonnes of solutions and 441 tonnes of suspensions annually. The unitary indices reached the values of 43.3 t/km2/year and 1.1 t/km2/year, respectively.