Pollution of the Bydgoszcz Canal wat ers in the light of research conducted by the Regional Inspectorate for Enviro nmental Protection in Bydgoszcz

Abstract

Since 1972 the Voivodship Inspectorate of Environment Protection has been conducting systematic, annual studies of the state of quality of waters of the Bydgoszcz Canal. The publication includes the analysis of changeability of pollution of the Canal’s water conducted on the basis of the studies conducted in the years 1997-2006. Also the assessment of the usefulness of its waters for living of fish has been conducted. The results of the studies of the Bydgoszcz Canal showed very unfavourable quality changes of its waters. For several years the state of purity of this artificial water flow has been described as not fitting the standards, and the content of among others chlorides and dissolved substances decide on it. A very high concentration of phosphorus compounds, the content of chlorophyll „A” and periodical shortages of dissolved oxygene prove the development of euthophization processes. Both the inflow of salinited waters of the Noteć introduced via the Górnonotecki Canal as well as municipal pollutions are the reasons of degradation of the water environment of the Bydgoszcz Canal. Also a small exchange of waters is an unfavourable feature for its quality.