Effects of flooding on the physical and chemical water composition of the alpine lake Kolové pleso (High Tatra, West Carpathians)

Abstract

This study is a part of the physical and chemical limnology multiannual research of lake Kolové pleso to understand the response of the high mountain lake ecosystem to seasonal, climatic and anthropogenic impacts. Due to the extensive rainfall in July 2018, during the experiment, we had the opportunity to observe the effect of flooding on the lake. Flooding had a significant impact on the organic composition of the lake (COD) as well as on some chemical elements (S, K, Rb, Mo, Cd). The values of COD and measured elements sharply decreased after the flood disturbance. On the contrary, the pH level increased and the water in the lake became less acidic. We observed a negative correlation between pH and COD. We can concluded, that the flood disturbance had a major effect on the organic matter content in the water. The flood washed out deposits sediments. This plays a role in the saturation of water of organic and inorganic compounds and thus affects the overall chemical and physical state of the water in the lake and also will influence the ecosystem for the following months.