Spatial Diversity Characterising Certain Chemical Substances in Sediments of Besko Reservoir
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Department of Environmental Engineering and Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
Publication date: 2018-01-01
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Renata Gruca-Rokosz
Department of Environmental Engineering and Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
J. Ecol. Eng. 2018; 19(1):104-112
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ABSTRACT
The article reports the conducted analyses of certain chemical parameters characterising the sediments of Poland’s Besko Reservoir. Specificall, determinations concerned the pH value, percentage organic matter (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), carbonates (CO32-), total phosphorus (TP) and its fractions, as well as heavy metals (Fe, Al, Cr, Cu, Ni, Cd, Zn, Mn). The sediments have a slight alkaline reaction, with pH values correlating positively with the high content of carbonates. The sediments have low organic matter content, while organic carbon accounts for about 30% of OM. The values for the C:N ratio point to an allochthonous origin for organic matter. The analysis of phosphorus fractionation showed that inorganic phosphorus (IP) is predominant at every research station. The lowest percentage for a fraction was in turn obtained for NAIP. This testifiesto a slight anthropogenic impact of the catchment area. The sediments can be classifiedas of the 2nd purity class (according to PIG), due to their highest concentration of chromium. According to Müller’s classification,the sediments can be classifiedas purity class 3 (i.e. with moderate contamination). The values noted for the EF coefficienconfirma very strong enrichment by chromium ions. In addition, chromium, copper, nickel and cadmium have a negative effecton aquatic organisms. The results show that the sediments can be used for example in building and maintaining hydraulic structures.