Heavy metal contents in the sediments of astatic ponds: Influence of geomorphology, hydroperiod, water chemistry and vegetation.
The contents of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) were analysed in the bottom sediments of 30 small, astatic ponds located in the agricultural landscape of Western Poland. The samples were collected from 118 stations located in patches of four vegetation types. Relationships between the contents of particular elements and four groups of factors (geomorphology, hydroperiod, water quality and vegetation) were tested using Redundancy Analysis (RDA). The most important factors influencing the heavy metal contents were the maximum depth and area of the pond, its hydroperiod, water pH and conductivity values. In general, low quantities of heavy metals were recorded in the sediments of kettle-like ponds (small but located in deep depressions) and high in water bodies of the shore-bursting type (large but shallow). Moreover, quantities of particular elements were influenced by the structure of the vegetation covering the pond. Based on the results, we show which types of astatic ponds are most exposed to contamination and suggest some conservation practices that may reduce the influx of heavy metals.
Faculty of Biology, Department of General Zoology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
Bartłomiej
B
Gołdyn
Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Trace Elements Analysis by Spectroscopic Method, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89b, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
Maria
M
Chudzińska
Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Trace Elements Analysis by Spectroscopic Method, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89b, 61-614 Poznań, Poland. Electronic address: danutaba@amu.edu.pl.
Danuta
D
Barałkiewicz
Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland.
Sofia
S
Celewicz-Gołdyn
D044822:Biodiversity; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D010944:Plants; D011044:Poland; D061005:Ponds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D060753:Water Quality; D014887:Weather
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
Heavy metal contamination; Impact of agriculture; Kettle hole; Pothole; Temporary waters; Vernal pool