the impact of anthropopressure on physicochemical state of the korzkiewka stream

The aim of the paper was identification and assessment of area anthropogenic impacts on water quality in the catchment of the Korzkiewka stream flowing through the areas of the Malopolska region. Analyses of physicochemical indices revealed that waters along the whole length of the stream qualified for below good status due to exceeded EC and nitrate nitrogen concentrations. It was found that among 21 analyzed physicochemical indices, statistically significant differences occurred for 5: total dissolved solids, SO42-, Mg2+, K+ and water pH. In the headwaters section values of four salinity indices were significantly higher in relation to the other part of the stream. Assessment of anthropogenic factors affecting the catchment water resources conducted on the basis of unitary and percent indices revealed, that the dominant category shaping the physicochemical status of the Korzkiewka stream water is municipal economy. The intensity of influence of the factors from this category was from medium to very high, while in case of sewage discharged through the sewage network, even to outlier intensity. Forestry and agriculture exerted medium pressure, whereas the factors from the industry category had hardly any influence on the water in the stream.