The flood in the Odra river 1997 - Impact of suspended solids on water quality

The flood in the Odra river in 1997 has led to considerable additional poll ution of the Stettin Lagoon and the Baltic Sea with contaminated suspended solids. For some priority substances, the pollutant entries via suspended s olids during the flood period are estimated to be approximately 1/3 of the usual annual load. Among these priority pollutants there are total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen, and the heavy metals Cu, Pb and Zn. For the concent rations of the priority pollutants in suspended solids accumulation factors from 2 to 4 in the comparison with normal conditions were observed. On the basis of the analysis of sediments sampled after the flood, main sources o f the pollutants should be evaluated. As reference area with an industrial background as well as a typical pollutant pattern the region around Glogow/ Legnica is proposed.