Description
The project is needed because water conditions are degrading due to unconstrained volumes of pollutants that are draining into the Sulejow Reservoir, resulting in excessive growth of blue-green algae. The local ecosystem is endangered by the susceptibility of the water to eutrophication. These dangers must be assessed, predicted and minimized. The chief objective is therefore to provide measurements, assessments and prognoses of the ecological potential of the reservoir. The results will serve as a base to revitalize the water ecosystem, and also to upgrade the programmes to protect the Reservoir on a long-term basis. The creation of a universal and complex tool for the evaluation of the quality condition of a large water reservoir provides a base for further scientific and educational research. The ultimate goal is to develop a coherent model of the reservoir that enables critical and balanced decisions concern environmental protection and planning. Local governments, institutions responsible for hydrological and environmental administration and State Environmental Monitoring are foreseen to benefit from the project.
Summary of project results
MONSUL was a research project which was aiming at purchasing, assembling and launching the system for monitoring the condition of waters of Sulejów Reservoir, prepare a GIS database of the area of the Sulejów Reservoir, as well as preparation of 3D model of Sulejów Reservoir which will enable calculations of temperature gradients, flow rates and pollution concentrations as well as the simulation of the ecological condition of the reservoir. Implementation of tasks improved knowledge about the environment in the catchment area of the reservoir as regards the ecological condition of its waters, the impact of factors shaping its quality and forecasts of trends affecting its ecological potential. The monitoring with the use of multi-parameter probe covered the following parameters: water temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, salinity, concentration of chlorophyll and algae, additionally, concentrations of nitrates, phosphates and organic carbon were marked in laboratory analyses. The collected data allowed to prepare spatial maps of pollutant distribution in the reservoir. Monitoring tests carried out as a part of the project will broaden and complete the database of the Voivodeship Inspectorate of Environmental Protection in Łódź.
Summary of bilateral results
The study visit was organized to familiarize participants with the modern surface water system in Norway. Attention was paid to environmental monitoring as the most reliable and accessible system for monitoring the condition of the aquatic ecosystem. Experience, knowledge, technology and best practices between Poland and Norway have been mentioned. Thanks to the meetings and the visit in the towns that implement the water quality improvement program in Lake Vansjo, the participants learned how to overcome the phenomenon of eutrophication within a dozen or so years and bring the water quality in this reservoir to good condition. Mutual contacts and exchange of experience during the above-described meetings made participants aware of the bilateral exchange held, as the important topic is the protection of water resources against eutrophication. Success in this area can only be achieved on the basis of close cooperation between experts, local authorities and individual users of water resources, and Lake Vansjo and its renewal is an example of the effectiveness of such cooperation.