Physicochemical properties of water in the Nida valley, Poland

Abstract

The investigation of Nida Valley water aimed to assess fluctuations in physicochemical properties. In this study, environmental monitoring method was utilized to evaluate the changes in physicochemical properties of water. Over a 24-month period, from June 2021 to May 2023, a total of 228 water samples were collected from 10 sampling sites, with a monthly sampling frequency. Statistical analyses were utilized including the Shapiro–Wilk test (α = 0.05), Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon (Mann–Whitney) rank sum test (α = 0.05), Pearson correlation analysis (α = 0.001) and principal component analysis (PCA). Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between months in GW samples for for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chloride, manganese, and zinc in GW samples and for T and DO in SW samples. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis (α = 0.001) identified strong positive correlations within the SW dataset. Similarly, significant positive correlations were observed among the GW dataset. Noteworthy positive correlations were also detected between the GW and SW datasets. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a substantial dissimilarity between GW2 samples compared to others, characterized by elevated manganese, iron, and Sulfate content. Two distinct groups emerged: Group 1 included samples at GW1, GW2, GW3, GW5, and SW2, while Group 2 comprised all other samples. This study demonstrated the stability in the physicochemical properties of SW and underscore a discernible correlation between the hydrochemical compositions of both SW and GW in the riparian area. Outstanding characteristics in hydrochemical component of sample waters have been indicated.