Environmental analysis of water and sediment samples in lake Mezőlak and Marcal river

Abstract

Water quality and chemical conditions of sediment were analysed in this study in the case of two water
bodies: Marcal River and Mezőlak Lakes. Three sampling points were designated for both the lakes and
Marcal considering water flow directions. Of water and sediment samples taken from both water bodies
nitate, ammonium, phosphate, sulphate, COD and heavy metal contents were determined.
Vegetation cover, relief-geological and habitat features as well as environmental impacts were all taken into
consideration during evaluation of the results. It has been found that nitrate and phosphate ion concentrations
are below the threshold limits and that water is of good quality. In the case of COD effects of peat is
traceable. Higher concentration of phosphate, nitrate and ammonium ion in Marcal River than in the lakes
indicates anthropogenic impact. Heavy metal content of water and sediment proved to be lower than the
threshold limit value and its concentration changes opposite to flow direction regarding river and lake
sediments.