Changes in physicochemical parameters of the alpine/mountain stream influenced by summer flash flood in Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians)

Abstract

AbstracttaChanges to the physicochemical parameters of water in alpine/mountain streams can provide evidence of ongoing natural and anthropogenic processes in their catchment. In this study, we analysed a mountain stream (Javorinka) on the north-eastern side of the Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians), which is minimally influenced by human activity. The stream was monitored weekly for 5 years (2017–2021) and evaluated for its seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters. These seasonal variations were influenced by the large summer flash flood in July 2018. We hypothesise that floods are essential for the oligotrophic profile of alpine/mountain streams. To support this idea, our main objective was to compare the seasonal trends of the main physicochemical parameters in the stream before and after floods or periods of high flow. We found evidence to support our hypothesis. For example, there was a significant decrease in the chemical consumption of oxygen and ammonia, and, conversely, an increase in the ratio of saturated oxygen and nitrate concentrations. Stream bed erosion also resulted in increased phosphates (over the next 2 years) and high enrichment of the water by dissolved solids in the spring. Interestingly outside of the main objectives, we observed a significant decrease in sulphates, especially in the summer and autumn of 2020 and 2021, which may be related to suppressed emissions due to the restriction of the COVID-19 lockdown. The observed trends and their changes therefore support the idea that alpine/mountain streams are excellent indicators of ongoing environmental processes, and that occasional summer flash floods support the oligotrophic profile of the stream system.