Anthropogenic influence on water quality of Lake Baikal

Abstract

In this work, the anthropogenic influence on the water quality in Lake Baikal was evaluated, since Lake Baikal contains 19% of the total freshwater resources. The use of data on the water quality near the Listvyanka village allows the changes in the content of ammonia, sulphates, nitrates, iron, phosphates and other substances suspended in water to be monitored. The characteristics of collected water samples were compared to previously obtained data. The evaluation of sample quality involved various techniques, including photometry using spectrophotometers, "blue ribbon" filters and desiccators. The obtained results showed that some of the indicators, for example, the amounts of suspended solids, sulphates and nitrates, significantly exceed those obtained in 2016 and 2020. The comparative analysis of samples collected in different years indicated a significant deterioration in water quality over this period. This can be explained by the lack of funds for the development and reconstruction of water and wastewater treatment facilities, along with an unregulated touristic flow, requiring the appropriate walkways, routes and utility systems in order to reduce the anthropogenic impact on the waters of Lake Baikal.