The Influence of Sedimentation Ponds of the Former Soda “Solvay” Plant in Krakow on the Chemistry of the Wilga River

Abstract

This paper explores how the chemistry of the Wilga River is affected by the sedimentation ponds at the former Soda “Solvay” Plant in Krakow. Despite the revitalization of the sedimentation ponds about 30 years ago, the chemistry of the samples was characterized by high EC (from 845 to 3000 µS cm−1), high concentration of Cl− (up to 800 mg L−1), Ca (up to 270 mg L−1), and SO42− (up to 115 mg L−1), and a high value for Na (up to 270 mg L−1) was noted—surface water quality standards were exceeded. The effect of high mineralization by those elements, generated in wastewater during soda waste production, were noted to have seasonal and vertical variability. We concluded that, despite the industrial shutdown and revitalization processes, the drainage of industrial water can have serious and long-term negative effects on quality of water and the Wilga River ecosystem. The Wilga River is one of the most important examples of important environmental problems in urban areas.