EVALUATION OF THE STATUS OF WARMIAN-MASURIAN LAKES IN POLAND DUE TO EUTROPHICATION PROCESS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study the origins and consequences of the eutrophication problem of Warmian-Masurian lakes of Voivodeship in Poland and to find the possible ways of its solution. Eutrophication, also known as hypertrophication is a process of enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorous that leads to algae and plants growth and results in inadequate supply of oxygen and loss of water quantity. Nowadays, the problem of eutrophication concerns not only Baltic countries, but also countries in the West Europe, the same as in whole world. The eutrophication problem also influences local landscape changes, because it is strictly associated with terrestrialization process, which is well-seen in the area of Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The aim of the work is to find the relationship between the eutrophication process and the environmental problems caused by them, as well as to find potential solutions and review the currently done ones, base on comparison of observations and literature sources. The work was mainly based on field observation, publications of researches, and the program of “lakes cleaning” in Szczytno and literature study, which confirmed the negative changes in structure of local associated with eutrophication and terrestrialization processes. To see the structural changes in the lakes as a result of the terrestrialization process, we compared their current state with old photographs of the area. Visible changes were found in the coastline, which was overgrown mainly with reeds and typhus, as well as former beaches, which were replaced by flora. To point out possible ways of solution, the program of “lakes cleaning” in Szczytno was used. The project was running for 3 years (from 2010 to 2013) and consisted of introducing of 71 tons of a polyaluminium coagulant under surveillance of scientists from the University of Warmia and Mazury. It was concluded that the changes of water bodies in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship are strongly associated with eutrophication process. To avoid and withdraw that processes there are many solutions, starting with the simplest to advanced ones what is well-seen in Szczytno Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, where polyaluminium coagulant was used to “clean” the lake. Further research may focus on finding a variety of substances that can be used to mitigate and eliminate eutrophication without side effects, both for the environment and for humans.