Chapter 14
Surface Water Eutrophication in Poland:
Assessment and Prevention
Elena Neverova-Dziopak
Abstract Presently the process of aquatic ecosystems transformation is much faster
than before, because it is determined not so much by natural causes but mostly by
anthropogenic factors. Anthropogenic eutrophication belongs to global processes
which development has intensified significantly in recent decades and now affects
all types of surface waters in many countries, leading to the disturbance of ecological
balance and deterioration of water quality. In order to ensure the ecological safety
of surface waters it is necessary to elaborate the reliable comprehensive abatement
strategy based on appropriate system of eutrophication monitoring and assessment
and the reduction of biogenic loads from all the sources. The paper presents the
essence of eutrophication process, analysis of methodological problems of trophic
state assessment and the assessment methodology based on simple and low-cost
indicators which ensures the continuous eutrophication monitoring and control. The
development of eutrophication of surface water in Poland and the principles of its
prevention and management are also presented.
Keywords Eutrophication · Assessment methods · Trophic state · Nutrient loads ·
Poland
14.1 Definition, Essence and Consequences
of Eutrophication
In modern times, the processes of aquatic ecosystems transformation run much
faster than before, because they are conditioned not only by natural causes but
also by anthropogenic factors. Anthropogenic eutrophication also belongs to global
processes which intensity has increased significantly in recent decades, affecting
E. Neverova-Dziopak (B)
Department of Environmental Management and Protection, Faculty of Mining
Surveying and Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al.
Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
e-mail: elenad@agh.edu.pl
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
M. Zeleˇ náková et al. (eds.), Quality of Water Resources in Poland, Springer Water,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64892-3_14
321
Surface Water Eutrophication in Poland:
Assessment and Prevention
Elena Neverova-Dziopak
Abstract Presently the process of aquatic ecosystems transformation is much faster
than before, because it is determined not so much by natural causes but mostly by
anthropogenic factors. Anthropogenic eutrophication belongs to global processes
which development has intensified significantly in recent decades and now affects
all types of surface waters in many countries, leading to the disturbance of ecological
balance and deterioration of water quality. In order to ensure the ecological safety
of surface waters it is necessary to elaborate the reliable comprehensive abatement
strategy based on appropriate system of eutrophication monitoring and assessment
and the reduction of biogenic loads from all the sources. The paper presents the
essence of eutrophication process, analysis of methodological problems of trophic
state assessment and the assessment methodology based on simple and low-cost
indicators which ensures the continuous eutrophication monitoring and control. The
development of eutrophication of surface water in Poland and the principles of its
prevention and management are also presented.
Keywords Eutrophication · Assessment methods · Trophic state · Nutrient loads ·
Poland
14.1 Definition, Essence and Consequences
of Eutrophication
In modern times, the processes of aquatic ecosystems transformation run much
faster than before, because they are conditioned not only by natural causes but
also by anthropogenic factors. Anthropogenic eutrophication also belongs to global
processes which intensity has increased significantly in recent decades, affecting
E. Neverova-Dziopak (B)
Department of Environmental Management and Protection, Faculty of Mining
Surveying and Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al.
Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
e-mail: elenad@agh.edu.pl
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
M. Zeleˇ náková et al. (eds.), Quality of Water Resources in Poland, Springer Water,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64892-3_14
321