ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Changes in Water Resources of Polish Lakes
as Influenced by Natural and Anthropogenic
Factors
Adam Choiński1, Mariusz Ptak1, Agnieszka E. Ławniczak2
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1Institute of Physical Geography and Environmental Planning, Adam Mickiewicz University,
Dzięgielowa 27, 61-680 Poznań, Poland
2Poznan University of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection,
Piątkowska St. 94C, 60-649 Poznań, Poland
Submission date: 2016-03-23
Final revision date: 2016-04-25
Acceptance date: 2016-04-26
Publication date: 2016-10-05
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2016;25(5):1883-1890
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ABSTRACT
Processes of lake shrinkage as a result of the action of natural and anthropogenic factors in recent decades
have been considerably accelerated. On the other hand, lake capacities may have increased as a consequence
of damming. These changes are typically analyzed in relation to changes in lake area, while horizontal and
vertical components are excluded. The aim of this study was to assess changes in morphometry in several
lakes in central western Poland and to determine changes in water resources in selected lakes as a result of
changes in their morphometry. These changes were analyzed based on archival data concerning the area and
capacity of lake basins, collected from studies prepared by the Institute of Inland Fisheries in the early 1960s
and current bathymetric studies. These investigations showed that within approx. 50 years a considerable
decrease was recorded in the area of the analyzed group of lakes, amounting to 14.8% (i.e., 172.6 ha). As
a result of changes in the area and shallowing of lakes, the water resources stored in lakes decreased by a
total of 7.7%, which amounts to 3.6 million m3. Referring to the factors determining the above-mentioned
transformations, it was found that both climatic and anthropogenic conditions were disadvantageous. While
in the study period no trends were observed for changes in precipitation, a significant increase in temperature
was found, thus contributing to increased evaporation. This situation was compounded by human activity
connected with land reclamation operations or agricultural activity.