Changes in the physical and chemical properties of springwater in the Chochołowski Potok catchment (Western Tatras) Cover Image

Zmiany cech fizycznych i chemicznych wód źródeł w zlewni Potoku Chochołowskiego (Tatry Zachodnie)
Changes in the physical and chemical properties of springwater in the Chochołowski Potok catchment (Western Tatras)

Author(s): Anna Wolanin
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, Environmental Geography
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: springs; water chemistry; seasonality; Tatra Mts.

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the variability of the physical and chemical characteristics of springwater in the Chochołowski Potok catchment. Eleven springs were selected for research purposes. The research was performed from November 2008 to October 2009. Ca 2+ was found as the most common cation, and HCO 3 – was the most common anion in the analysed springwater. The spatial variability of the physical and chemical parameters depends on the geology of an area. Most of the physical and chemical properties of springwater are characterized by seasonal variability. Only a few seasonal differences of the physical and chemical parameters of water are statistically significant (ANOVA). The seasonal changes in springwater chemistry are characterized by high ion concentrations during dry periods in the autumn and winter and low ion concentrations during snowmelt and rainfall-induced floods during the spring and summer. Four factors controlling the physical and chemical properties of springwater were identified.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 138
  • Page Range: 45-56
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish