Chemical composition of the surficial sediments in Lake Licheńskie [SHORT COMMUNICATION]

Abstract

The study revealed that the surficial sediments of Lake Licheńskie were mineral with a low organic matter content. The main components of the chemical composition were calcium carbonate and silica. Phosphorus in the surficial sediments occurred in small amounts not exceeding 2 mg P g-1 d.w. Higher values (maximum to 6.232 mg P g-1 d.w.) were observed only in the outlet zone of the Licheński Canal that carries post-cooling water into the lake. The majority of sediment phosphorus was of fractions that are nearly insoluble residual P (res-P) and those that are moderately soluble (NaOH-P) and difficult to dissolve (HCl-P), which means that phosphorus is more or less permanently bound in the surficial sediments. The Lake Licheńskie sediments will remain a phosphorus trap under the condition that the pollution load from the catchment basin is limited.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Renata Brzozowska, Katedra Inżynierii Ochrony Środowiska, Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski, ul. Prawocheńskiego 1, 10-957 Olsztyn, Tel./Fax:+48895233727, +48895234752; e-mail: rbrzoza@uwm.edu.pl