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Research article2018Peer reviewedOpen access

Reduction of nutrient emission from Polish territory into the Baltic Sea (1988-2014) confronted with real environmental needs and international requirements

Pastuszak, Marianna; Bryhn, Andreas C.; Hakanson, Lars; Stalnacke, Per; Zalewski, Mariusz; Wodzinowski, Tycjan

Abstract

Eutrophication of the Baltic Sea is considered a major threat to its ecological status. We present and discuss Polish riverine flow normalized loads of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) discharged into the Baltic Sea in (i) 1988-2014, (ii) periods of maximum TN (1992-1994), TP (1988-1991) emission, (iii) the reference period (1997-2003) established by the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), (iv) 2012-2014, last years of our study. Despite considerable nutrient load reductions prior to the HELCOM reference period, Poland is expected to reduce TN and TP loads by 30% and 66%, respectively. In the light of our historical and up-to-date findings defining ecological status of the Baltic Sea, we suggest that the proposed TP load reduction is overestimated and its realization may lead to (i) undesirable consequences for the Baltic ecosystem, (ii) would require a decline in TP concentrations to 0.067 mg P dm(-3) (the Vistula River) and 0.083 mg P dm(-3) (the Oder River), values reported for pre-industrial times. The current nutrient concentrations in the Vistula and Oder safely comply with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. We also comment on the top-down and bottom-up effect resulting in quantitative and qualitative reorganization of the Baltic ecosystem, a phenomenon already observed in the Baltic Sea.

Keywords

Baltic; Vistula; Oder; nutrient loads; eutrophication; abatement measures

Published in

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies
2018, Volume: 47, number: 2, pages: 140-166
Publisher: WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH

      SLU Authors

      Sustainable Development Goals

      SDG6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
      SDG14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

      UKÄ Subject classification

      Oceanography, Hydrology, Water Resources

      Publication identifier

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ohs-2018-0015

      Permanent link to this page (URI)

      https://res.slu.se/id/publ/95946