Abstract

The ferilizers used in agriculture negatively affect the surface and groundwater quality. The Bay of Puck is a semi-closed part of the Gulf of Gdańsk, which is particularly vulnerable to eutrophication caused by the inflow of nutrient substances. The Bay is surrounded by the lands intensively used in agriculture. Also a number of touristic resorts is located on its coast. The streams and rivers carry the load of nitrogen and phosphorus to the sea. Within the project WaterPuck, financed by the National Centre of Research and Development in Poland (NCBiR), the quality of rivers and streams flowing through the territory of the Puck Community and discharging to the Bay of Puck is being researched. The quality of seven streams: Reda, Kanał Łyski, Kanał Mrzezino, Gizdepka, Potok Błądzikowski, Płutnica and Kanał Młyński is investigated. The researched was started in July 2017. The samples of water are collected every 3-4 weeks at sampling points located close to the streams estuaries. The concentrations of nitrogen species (ammonia, nitrate III and nitrate V) as well as total phosphorus and phosphates are measured. The regular monitoring of streams quality make it possible to assess the seasonal changes of nutrients concentrations as well as their spatial distribution. This will provide the basis for tracking the relationships between the land use and agricultural practices and the load of nutrients discharged to Bay of Puck from non-point sources of pollution. The preliminary results indicate quite significant seasonal variations of pollutants concentrations, probably associated to the time schedule of agricultural practices. The highest concentrations of nutrients where present in sampling points located on Błądzikowski Potok, Kanał Mrzezino as well as Gizdepka – all flowing through arable lands. Concentrations of nitrates V in Błądzikowski Stream varied from 2,27 to 7,55 mg NO3-/dm3, while the concentrations of total phosphorus - from 0,24 to 0,45 mg P/dm3. The next part of the research project is going to focus on identification of areas contributing to the streams pollution. The changes of nutrients concentrations during intensive rainfalls will be evaluated. The results will provide the basis for modelling of nutrient transport with surface waters in the Puck Community.

Authors (5)