Total organic carbon (TOC) as a sum parameter ct water pollution in selected Polish rivers (Vistula, Odra, and Warta)

This paper reports on total organic carbon (TOC) and its fractions dissolve d organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) studied in diff erent Polish rivers. The samples investigated came fi-om the Vistula, Odra, and Warta rivers, and were compared with similar data on river waters avai lable in the literature. The DOC concentrations ranged from 10.0 to 14.2 mg/L and did not vary durin g the vegetative season. The POC values considerably increased from May thr ough September and reached a maximum in summer. Results for the years 1991- 1996 evidenced a significant increase in the POC value for the Polish river s from 10.8 to 24.5 mg/L, in comparison with analogous values for West Euro pean rivers and North. American ones. The enhanced values of TOC and POC we re interpreted as being due to anthropogenic pollution.