engleski

Study of eutrophication process in the Plitvice Lakes by water and sediment composition

The process of eutrophication has been observed in some lakes and water streams of the Plitvice Lakes, central Croatia. Here we investigate whether the eutrophication is a consequence of anthropogenic pollution or due to naturally produced organic matter in the lakes. For this study we use chemical measurements of water (nutrients, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), trace elements) and measurements of surface lake sediments (mineral and organic analyses, trace elements) in four different lakes/five sites with and without eutrophic process. There is no significant difference in concentrations of nutrients and trace elements between eutrophic and non-eutrophic waters, whereas the concentration of DOC is higher in eutrophic (1-2 mg/L) than in non-eutrophic water (<1 mg/L). The content of trace elements and organic matter in sediments decreases from the uppermost lake downstream to the lowest lake. The chemical composition of water and sediment does not indicate recent anthropogenic pollution. Higher concentrations of DOC in water as well as phosphorus and some other elements in the lake sediment can be a consequence of input of natural organic matter to the lake water.

eutrophication; Plitvice Lakes; sediment; trace elements; water pollution

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