ISSN:
1572-9893
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geography
Notes:
Abstract The coastal waters of the former GDR comprising more than 9000 sqkm with a maximum width of 12 n.m. from the baseline and the 1600 sqkm inner bodden waters with a volume of about 6 cu.km are of unique importance to trade by providing transport by sea including three ferry links, to fishing, recreaation and other uses. Based on the results of monitoring programmes carried out between 1973 and 1988 and reviewing existing literature, the state of these waters is discussed. The paper starts with a characterization of the environmental background conditions of the area including its catchment region. Data on population density, fishing, industry, agriculutre and other information is tabulated as deemed necessary to understand the sensitivity of the coastal water and potential impacts on their state. The contamination load released into bodden waters and further into the Baltic Sea by eight relatively small rivers is quantified. In relation to the concentrations of contaminants such as heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and organochlorines, there are no severe environmental problems. However, nutrients and their cycling in the system cause eutrophication. This results (a) in reduced usefulness of the bodden waters for recreation and even fishing, (b) in anoxic sediments and (c) in declining benthos colonization. For some of the contaminants inter-annual and spatial trends were found to be of statistical significance. Summarizing the present knowledge on the state of the coastal waters and realising obvious gaps in the complex scientific understanding and forecasting, measures required to reduce the contaminant load are proposed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00240589
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