Metal pollution of surface water from Wielkopolska region

Abstract

Abstract: Polish water resources in comparison to other European countries are small. It is one of the factors leading to increased interest in monitoring tests for their quality. Heavy metals are major water pollutants in Poland. The aim of this study was to determine seasonal variability in concentrations of cadmium, lead, zinc and copper in various reservoirs and water courses in the Wielkopolska region. Water samples were collected from lakes, large and small rivers and drainage ditches. These water bodies differ in land use in the surrounding. These were mostly rural. The study was conducted during the growing season from May to December 2012. Quantitative analysis of heavy metals was performed on the AA spectrometer Agilent 280Z. The results showed high seasonal variation in heavy metal contents in different water bodies. The concentrations of cadmium and zinc mainly depend on the date of discharge to water. Lead concentrations were caused by emissions and depended mainly on cultivation measures in fields. The highest concentration of copper was observed in the lakes, which could be due to the use of compounds that eliminate algal blooms. Under Polish law, all water bodies are classified into water quality classes I or II intended for drinking. Living conditions for cyprinids and salmonids were satisfactory in all the locations.