The impact of mosaic land use and land cover on the quality of river waters (Case study: Lubelskie province, E Poland)

Abstract

Human activity with respect to land use and land cover can impact the quality of river water. Understanding the correlation between these two factors makes it possible to improve the management of space and mitigate negative human impacts on the environment. The present study encompassed 34 catchments in Lubelskie Province, a typically agricultural region in eastern Poland. Six main types of land use and land cover (LULC) and 15 indices of water quality have been analysed. An unequivocally negative impact of LULC on the river water parameters has not been found. For some indices, no correlations occur, while for others the statistical correlations are weak. One possible reason is the impact of other factors or the unique land use mosaic of the province having a significant impact on the circulation of pollutants in the landscape. It may be that the absence of clear correlations is the result of the relatively low anthropogenic pressure in the region.