Analysis of the impact of nutrients deposited from the land side on the waters of Puck Lagoon (Gdańsk Basin, Southern Baltic): A model study

Abstract

The article analyzes the impact of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) supplied from the land on the waters of the Puck Lagoon (Gdańsk Basin, southern Baltic). The study is based on the numerical modelling. The model data was verified by comparison with the in situ measurement data. The spatial and temporal variability of the concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and chlorophyll a were analyzed. We came to the conclusion that the load of nutrients deposited from the land side to the waters of the Puck Lagoon is relatively small (but not negligible compared to the Vistula River). However, even when a little runoff enters the reservoir with a very limited water exchange, like the Puck Lagoon, there are periods when riverine nutrients load significantly affects the functioning of the ecosystem.

Keywords

• Coastal zone
• Agricultural impact
• Water quality
• Eutrophication
• Nutrients