Critical loads of acidity to surface waters: A case study from the Polish Tatra Mountains

Abstract

As part of the Agreement on Environmental Cooperation between Norway and Poland critical loads of acidity and their exceedance to lakes in the granitic area of the Polish Tatra Mountains have been estimated. Lake samples were collected in summer an autumn 1991. The results indicate that the general acidification status of the fresh water resources in the Tatra Mountains are similar to those found in similar geological setting and similar atmospheric deposition patterns in Europe and north America. The critical load of acidity is exceeded in several lakes in the area. The main difference between the comparable areas is the great importance of nitrogen deposition in the Tatra Mountains. Because of the serious acidification situation in the area, more intensive studies of deposition and yearly variations in water chemistry in several lakes shoud be carried out. The future activities should also include an extension to other potential sensitive areas in Poland.