The thermal and oxygen relationship and water dynamics of the surface water layer in the Konin heated lakes ecosystem

Abstract

Analyses were performed on the impact of the discharge of post-cooling waters on the hydrological and thermal and oxygen conditions in the canals and two lakes that are part of the Konin and Pątnów power plant cooling systems. Lake Licheńskie received the greatest quantity of post-cooling water and was the most intensely heated lake in the system (up to 27°C). Water exchange in the lake occurred in three to five days. Lake Ślesińskie remained the coolest lake in the system (surface water temperature reached 25°C), while the water retention period was shorter only in summer (up to seven days). The oxygen content in the surface waters of the ecosystem did not fall below 7.5 mg O₂ l^-1 (80% saturation).

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Konrad Stawecki, Instytut Rybactwa Śródlądowego, Zakład Hydrobiologii, ul. Oczapowskiego 10, 10-719 Olsztyn, Tel. +48 89 5241079, e-mail: konrad@infish.com.pl