The possibilities of the environmental use of bottom sediments from the silted inlet zone of the Rożnów Reservoir

The aim of the study was to assess the properties of bottom sediments from the inlet zone of the Rożnów Reservoir (South Poland) and to analyse the potential possibilities to use them for environmental purposes. The inlet zone of the reservoir is particularly intensely shallowed by means of the silts of the Dunajec River. A total of 20 samples were collected from the designated cross-sections. In air-dry samples of the sediments, granulometric composition, pH electrolytic conductivity (EC), sorption properties, organic carbon carbonates and macroelements content were determined. Bottom sediments from the Rożnów Reservoir indicate a great potential possibility to use them for environmental purposes (agriculture, reclamation). However, in order to fully evaluate the possibility of bottom sediment management, it is necessary to carry out an analysis of the ecological risk related to the content of heavy metals, PAHs, PCBs and to evaluate their eco-toxicity. Moreover, the main barriers to the environmental application of bottom sediments are a lack of appropriate legislation.