Projects / Programmes
Research activities for identification and prevention of the Jelševniščica and Otovec catchment area pollution with special emphasis on black proteus habitat (HaČloRi)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.08.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Control and care of the environment |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.05 |
Natural Sciences |
Earth and related Environmental sciences |
Nitrogen budget, proteus, karst, groundwater, pollution preventing measures
Researchers (18)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
The project is focused on the definition of mitigation measures that would effectively assure suitable habitat for living and reproduction of white and black subspecies of proteus (Proteus anguinus) in the catchment area of the Jelševniščica and the Otovec karst springs. To define scientifically supported, relevant and targeted mitigation measures, determination of rate and sources of pollution of underground water with special emphasis on nitrate is crucial. Since mitigation measures as well as pollution are spatially dependent, spatial determination of catchment area (and hydrochemical characteristics) of both springs is also fundamental. Project activities of three partners will interdisciplinary connect ecological, hydrogeological, agronomical and environmental research. Surface of the catchment area will be defined by classical study of water balance in the potential catchment. The calculated surface will be placed into the backend space on the basis of natural and artificial tracers present in spring water. In the case of artificial tracers, we will focus on pollutants that can be directly connected with specific sources in the potential catchment area. Definition of catchment area will be based also on studies of sediment ecotoxicology and provenance. Hydrogeological study will involve two major predefined as well as nearby springs, which can indicate characteristic differences of extent and characteristics of catchment areas. Parallel to mentioned activities, presence of classical, modern organic and microbial contaminants will be analysed by continuous measurements, temporary and passive sampling. By continuous flow rate and nitrate concentration measurements at springs, as well as later evaluation of nitrogen emission primarily from agriculture and waste water sources, quantitative nitrogen mass balance will be calculated; it will show the share of individual activities in the catchment area to the total nitrogen load defined at karst springs. Background concentration of selected parameters will be defined by sampling in nearby caves and in smaller potentially much less polluted springs. The primary goal of mitigation measures is reduction of pollution of both springs to the level that is acceptable for proteus. This is expected to be possible primarily in agriculture and by proper treatment and discharge of municipal wastewater. Specific potential mitigation measures will be defined after identification of key pollutants as well as ways for pollution, e.g. inappropriate fertilization. To increase implementability of potentially suitable mitigation measures, the feasibility and acceptability of a professionally supported proposal of mitigation measures will be discussed at workshops and interviews with farmers, professional services (municipal public service, agricultural advisory services, nature protection services), local population (farmers, societies), governmental institutions and local community.
