The chemistry of mountains streams depends on natural factors (geology, litology, tectonics, and variable supply patterns) and anthropogenic factors. The aim of this paper is to determine the spatial diversity and variability of physico-chemical properties of streamwater in the Tatra Mts. Principal components analysis was used to determine the factors influencing the chemical composition of streamwater in the Tatra Mountains. Nine streams in the Tatra Mts. were selected for research. Using ion chromatography the concentration of 14 ions was estimated. The variability of physical and chemical parameters of streamwater depends mainly on the geology of an area and dissolution process. Generally, diluted water contains lower concentrations of most dissolved ions. Another factor is the influence of temperature and vegetation.
Changes in the physical and chemical properties of springwater in the Chochołowski Potok catchment (Western Tatras)The purpose of this paper is to describe the variability of the physical and chemical characteristics of springwater in the Chochołowski Potok catchment. Eleven springs were selected for research purposes. The research was performed from November 2008 to October 2009. Ca 2+ was found as the most common cation, and HCO 3 – was the most common anion in the analysed springwater. The spatial variability of the physical and chemical parameters depends on the geology of an area. Most of the physical and chemical properties of springwater are characterized by seasonal variability. Only a few seasonal differences of the physical and chemical parameters of water are statistically significant (ANOVA). The seasonal changes in springwater chemistry are characterized by high ion concentrations during dry periods in the autumn and winter and low ion concentrations during snowmelt and rainfall-induced floods during the spring and summer. Four factors controlling the physical and chemical properties of springwater were identified.
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