Long-term trends and factors influencing rainwater chemistry in the Tatra Mountains, Poland

• DOI: 10.7494/geol.2022.48.1.19
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03T17:25:55Z
• Authors: Jerzy J. Małecki; Marek Matyjasik; Ewa Krogulec; Dorota Porowska
• Keywords: Rainwater Harvesting; Acid rain; Deposition

The results of rainwater chemistry monitoring in the Tatra Mountains, Poland, during periods1993–1994 and 2002–2019 were used to determine long-term trends factors influencing last two decades. In early 1990’s, study area was characterized by prominent acid rains with a pH 4.4 that affected surface water, meadows, forest ecosystems. A rising temporal trend has been observed following years, indicating improving air quality. This also measured ionic concentrations reduced wet deposition loads sulfur- nitrogen-containing acid-forming compounds. neutralization capacity Kasprowy Wierch increased over twenty years mostly dominated NH4+. ammonium availability index steadily increasing between 2002 2019 but remains less than 1. statistically significant relationship indicates portion occurs lower part atmosphere due ammonium-related processes. acidic potential (AP) ratio AP/NP (acidic potential/neutralization potential) have declining same time. stated reflect transformation more environmentally sustainable economies region. Similar changes neighboring countries region, including Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania.