Impact of a small storage reservoir on the hydro-chemical regime of a flysch stream : A case study for the Korzeń stream (Poland)

The paper presents in form of a case study the results of 10-year long hydro-chemical studies on the Korzeń stream on which the “Skrzyszów” small storage reservoir was built. Studies aimed at evaluating the impact of the reservoir on the surface water quality in a Flysch stream. The basis for the analysis was results of 21 hydro-chemical water quality parameters, from the following groups of indicators: physical and acidity, oxygen and organic pollution, biogenic, salinity, metals. Indicators were determined in one-month intervals in two periods: 2005-2009 (before the reservoir was built) and 2015–2019 (after the reservoir was built). Obtained results were subjected to a statistical analysis. The trend analysis of changes was performed using the Mann-Kendall test or the seasonal Kendall test; significance of differences between indicator values from two periods was evaluated using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results of analysis showed significant change trends of water quality parameters, in case of total iron concentration the trend was downward in both periods. Statistically significant differences between the values of definite majority of indicators were found in two analysed periods, indicating both favourable and unfavourable impact of the reservoir on water quality in the stream. Construction of the storage reservoir resulted in a significant change of physical and chemical indicators of water flowing in the stream. Random variation dynamics as well as tendencies and trends of changes over time have changed. In addition to modifying the stream hydro-chemical regime, the reservoir also affected the social and natural conditions.