Characteristics of selected physicochemical indices of upland carbonate stream water with coarse-grained substrate

Hydrochemical research was conducted in 2011 at three measurement-control points on the Sztoła river, a left-bank tributary to the Biała Przemsza river. Water temperature and pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, oxygen saturation and electrolytic conductivity were measured directly in the field. 11 selected physicochemical indices of the Sztoła surface water were assessed in the laboratory. The analysis of the research results revealed that the water of the Sztoła along the analyzed river reach was first class quality. The analysis of water usable qualities proved that at point 1 it can be used for water supply after high-performance physical and chemical treatment, whereas at other points after a typical physical and chemical treatment, due to high manganese concentrations. Water does not meet the requirements of natural habitat for the Salmonoid fish only at point 1 because of exceeded standard values for nitrites. The Cyprinid fish have the proper habitat conditions along the examined river reach. Among 15 analysed physiochemical indices of water, 7 were statistically higher in the lower course, but they did not affect worsening of the Sztoła river water quality. Greater water pollution in the central and lower river reach is caused by the anthropogenic pressure connected mainly with the operations of extraction industry in the catchment.