Temporal and Spatial Changes in pH Values and Phosphate Phosphorus Concentrations in the Bocegaj Watercourse and Their Impact on Fish Life
Keywords:
brook, government regulation, pH, phosphates phosphorus, pondAbstract
Between 2022 and 2024, they were monitored in the Bocegaj watercourse, where pH and phosphate phosphorus (P-PO43-) concentrations were measured. During the period under review, pH values were relatively stable, and the average value reached 7.69. Seasonal changes indicated higher pH values in winter and summer, which may have been caused by reduced biological activity in winter and increased photosynthetic activity of aquatic organisms in summer. Spatial analysis showed that the most stable pH values were recorded below the pond outflow into the stream, while the most pronounced increase occurred in the northwestern part of the pond. The average concentration of phosphate phosphorus for the entire period under study was 0.52 mg·dm-3. The highest concentration was recorded in June and the lowest in April. Spatial differences indicated a substantial increase in phosphate phosphorus concentrations at the sampling site located below the wastewater treatment plant outflow. According to the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll., the water in the Bocegaj watercourse and in the Kolíňany pond meets the criteria for the breeding and life of cyprinid fish in terms of pH but does not meet these requirements in terms of phosphate phosphorus concentrations.
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