Biocontamination of the Aquatic Ecosystems of Northeastern Poland

Abstract

This study provides an overview of the presence of alien species in selected northeastern Polish aquatic ecosystems. The analysis included the western part (Polish) of the Vistula Lagoon, 16 rivers, 12 lakes, and 10 small water bodies. In the study area, a total of 22 non-native taxa were recorded, with the highest frequency of Dreissena polymorpha. This species has been present in Polish waters for over 100 years. The largest number of alien species and the highest level of biocontamination were recorded in the benthofauna of the Vistula Lagoon – 18 taxa – which corresponds to “bad” ecological status. The “bad” ecological status was observed both in Vistula river and Lake Lidzbarskie. No taxa of foreign origin were found in the studied small water bodies.