Brda River Research Articles

New sediment continuum measurements in the Brda River (Poland): the results of the functioning of the 50-year Koronowo dam

PurposeAs documented by multiple studies, the construction of artificial reservoirs influences fluvial processes. The hydrographic barrier causes a water regime change, and the effects are evident in the accumulation of sediment in the reservoir as well as the intensification of the erosion process below the dam due to the lack of sediments for transport in the river. Moreover, the use of lateral canals on the reservoirs causes additional transformations of the river system, excluding the river part below the dam from the natural system of the catchment area. This research aimed to determine the impact of the creation and functioning of the Koronowo Reservoir dam on the Brda River and its lateral canal on the continuum of sediment transport, with particular emphasis on suspended sediment.MethodsThe research was based on analysing the available hydrological data and the measurements of suspended sediment concentration during the water flushing maintenance works into the Brda River channel. In addition, a set of morphometric indices obtained through dedicated terrain analysis were necessary to understand the area’s morphodynamics and sediment sources. The suspended sediment concentration (SSC), suspended sediment volume concentration (SVC), and Sauter mean diameter (SMD) data were measured by a LISST-25X, and spatial data were obtained through the System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses (SAGA GIS) software.Results and conclusionThe results were combined with the Connectivity Index evaluation as well as field surveys and made it possible to identify new sources of material supply to the Brda catchment below the dam, thus identifying a disturbance in the sediment transport continuum in the catchment area. Research is a critical element in sustainable sediment management in the catchment, using a controlled sediment flushing operation and identifying local new sources of sediment supply.

How Do Specific Environmental Conditions in Canals Affect the Structure and Variability of the Zooplankton Community?

The present study investigates the responses of zooplankton (including changes in their structure and diversity) to physicochemical and biological parameters in two artificial waterways. Water samples were collected monthly from the Bydgoszcz Canal, the Noteć Canal, and the Brda River during the growing season of April–October 2019. We analyzed how selected parameters (including water temperature, Secchi disk visibility, oxygen concentration, conductivity, and pH, as well as nitrate, phosphate, and chl-a concentrations) affected seasonal variations in zooplankton diversity (T) and density (N). In total, we recorded 98 species, and average zooplankton density was 320 ind/L. At all sites, the same zooplankton species were dominant: Keratella cochlearis among rotifers and the Cladocera Bosmina longirostris among crustaceans. Rotifers dominated qualitatively and quantitatively over crustaceans. Zooplankton density and biomass, as well as the number of zooplankton species, were higher in the Bydgoszcz Canal than in the Brda River or the Noteć Canal. This may be connected to the locks on the Bydgoszcz Canal slowing down water flow, thereby increasing macrophyte vegetation, which creates ecological niches supporting zooplankton development.

Функціональні значення просторового аналізу в оцінці впливу грунтового покриву на прогнозування процесу ерозії

Erosion is a process shaping the earth’s surface, responsible for supplying sediment to the fluvial system. Identification of areas vulnerable to erosion is a critical element of sediment management in the catchment, enabling the assessment of the degree of its degradation. The research was based on the use of spatial data, Digital Terrain Model (DTM), and Corine Land Cover (CLC) on the example of two sub-catchments located on the lower Brda River. The main aim of the research was to assess the impact of land cover on the spatial prediction of the erosion process at the catchment scale. The Maximum Entropy Method was used to determine the spatial probability distribution of environmental variables related to the erosion process. Results showed the greatest predictive power of relief-related environmental features, associated with specific types of land cover. Predictive models can be successfully used to predict areas potentially exposed to erosion

Patterns of Structural and Functional Bacterioplankton Metacommunity along a River under Anthropogenic Pressure

Bacteria, an integral part of aquatic ecosystems, are responsible for the circulation of matter and flow of energy. Since bacterioplankton rapidly responds to any natural and human-induced disturbances in the environment, it can serve as a bioindicator of these changes. Knowing factors that shape the microbial community structure may help the sustainable management of the water environment. However, the identification of environmental signals affecting the structure and function of bacterioplankton is still a challenge. The study analyses the impact of environmental variables on basic microbial parameters, which determines the effectiveness of ecological processes in rivers. Measurements of bacterioplankton abundance (BA) and extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) were based on fluorescent markers. The bacterial community structure was determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (Illumina). The results indicate spatial variation in bacterioplankton abundance. Temporal variation was not significant. Lipase and aminopeptidase had the highest level of activity. EEA was not correlated with bacterial abundance but was significantly correlated with temperature. Moreover, differences in lipase, α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase activity levels between spring and summer were noted. At the same time, the location of sampling site had a significant influence on aminopeptidase activity. The taxonomic analysis of bacterioplankton communities in the Brda River indicated that, although different numbers of OTUs were recorded in the studied river sections, bacterioplankton biodiversity did not change significantly along the river with distance downstream. Anthropogenically modified river sections were characterized by the dominance of Flavobacterium (Bacterioidetes) and hgcl clade (Actinobacteria) taxa, known for their ability to produce extracellular enzymes. PCoA analysis revealed that the sites located in the lower river course (urban area) had the most similar bacterial community structure (β-diversity). The study provides new insight into the changes in microbial communities along the river and emphasizes the potential impact of anthropogenization on these processes.

Influence of Hydrologic Alteration on Sediment, Dissolved Load and Nutrient Downstream Transfer Continuity in a River: Example Lower Brda River Cascade Dams (Poland)

Hydrologic alternation of river systems is an essential factor of human activity. Cascade-dammed waters are characterized by the disturbed outflow of material from the catchment. Changes in sediment, dissolved load and nutrient balance are among the base indicators of water resource monitoring. This research was based on the use of hydrological and water quality data (1984–2017) and the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) method to determine the influence of river regime changes on downstream transfer continuity of sediments and nutrients in the example of the Lower Brda river cascade dams (Poland). Two types of regimes were used: hydropeaking (1984–2000) and run–of–river (2001–2017). Using the IHA method and water quality data, a qualitative and quantitative relationship were demonstrated between changes of regime operation and sediment and nutrient balance. The use of sites above and below the cascade made it possible to determine sediment, dissolved load, and nutrient trapping and removing processes. Studies have shown that changes in operation regime influenced the supply chain and continuity of sediment and nutrient transport in cascade-dammed rivers. The conducted research showed that sustainable management of sediment and nutrient in the alternated catchment helps achieve good ecological status of the water.

Rzeźbiarka Piłsudskiego. Związki Olgi Niewskiej z Bydgoszczą

Olga Newska, a sculptor from Warsaw, at the beginning of 30. of XX century, was associated with the city on the Brda river. During this period residents of Bydgoszcz were introduced to the art of this famous artist. In 1930 Newska took part in the 1st Exhibition of Polish Women Artists organized by City Museum in Bydgoszcz and more than one year later Józef Piłsudski monument created by this artist was revealed in Bydgoszcz. This article describes Bydgoszcz episodes of the art life of Olga Newska.

Spread Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Faecal Indicator Bacteria Contaminating an Urbanized Section of the Brda River

This paper presents the spatio-temporal distribution of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in the river section subject to anthropogenic stress and describes spread patterns of antibiotic resistance in the studied bacterial groups. The analysis involved 58 strains of Escherichia coli and 61 strains of enterococci. Antibiotic resistance profiles were prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The results indicated a correlation between the location of a sampling site and the concentration of faecal bacteria. The highest average concentrations were recorded at the site located in the city centre, where the river is used mainly for recreation. Antibiotic resistance profiles showed that Escherichia coli had 100% sensitivity to tigecycline, levofloxacin and imipenem. The highest percentaage of strains (17%) were resistant to piperacillin. Enterococci were 100% sensitive to levofloxacin. No strains were vancomycin-resistant (VRE). The highest percentage of strains was resistant to imipenem (23%), and the lowest, to ampicillin (2%). The spatio-temporal distribution of antibiotic-resistant strains (ARS) indicated a high concentration of drug-resistant Escherichia coli (47%) in the summer season at the sampling site located in the last part of the river. At the same time, drug resistance in enterococci increased along the river course and was considerably higher in spring. There were no significant relationships between physico-chemical parameters of water and the levels of faecal bacteria. On the other hand, strong relationships were observed between the percentage of strains showing resistance to the applied antibiotics and physico-chemical and biological parameters of water. The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen concentration (r = − 0.9; p < 0.001) and BOD5 (r = − 0.85; p < 0.05). The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of enterococci was most strongly correlated with water pH (r = − 0.92; p < 0.001).

Effects of Land Cover Changes on Sediment and Nutrient Balance in the Catchment with Cascade-Dammed Waters

It is commonly believed that changes in the use of the catchment area have a direct impact on the quality of the water environment. Rivers with dams and reservoirs are characterized by a disturbed outflow of sediments and nutrients from the catchment area. The research was based on indicating the variation in time and space of loads of selected parameters of the water quality of the Brda River (Northern Poland) against the land cover changes based on the CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data for the 1990–2018 period. In the lower part of the Brda catchment area, there are three hydropower dams with reservoirs in the form of a cascade, whose work clearly affects the hydrological regime of the river. The analysis of the dependence of the dynamics of water quality changes on the usage of CLC was based on indicators such as sediments (suspended sediment load) and nutrients (total phosphorus load and total nitrogen load). The use of hydrological data on the Brda discharge above and below the reservoirs made it possible to calculate sediment and nutrient trapping efficiency. Linking the CLC data with the indices responsible for the mechanical denudation of the catchment area made it possible to show the strength of changes taking place in the catchment area. The results of the research do not indicate any direct correlation between land cover changes and the dynamics of the denudation process and matter transport in the Brda catchment area. As our research shows, the strong influence on the hydrological regime of the catchment points out the necessity to search for still other research methods supporting the decision-making cycle in the field of water management in the face of climate change.

Identification of the Causes of a Landslide in Koronowo (Polish Lowlands)

Abstract The paper discusses difficulties of identifying the causes of a landslide. These difficulties are illustrated in the example of a catastrophic landslide on the embankment of the western bank of the Brda River, which affected a bridge abutment of a disused narrow-gauge railway line from Bydgoszcz to Koronowo (Polish Lowlands). The railway was closed in 1992, and after the removal of the track, the bridge served as a pedestrian overpass. The landslide occurred in February 2011. Investigations revealed that the first signs of the landslide were cracks and subsidence that appeared at the embankment crest. Then, an initially slow movement accelerated suddenly, resulting in an over 45 m total displacement of the soil mass. The primary passive cause of the landslide movement resulted from the geology of the mass (loose soils underlain by cohesive soils) and from the steep inclination of the embankment surface. Active causes, however, are often ambiguous. In this case, no significant apparent phenomena which could trigger the movement occurred in the days preceding its initiation. Therefore, a detailed analysis of atmospheric conditions was carried out to identify and explain the causes. It was proved that the fundamental triggering cause of the landslide was a combination of rainfall, snowfall, snow-melting and air temperature. Moreover, an important cause was a faulty construction of a ditch with a sewage pipe on the crest of the embankment.

Influence of Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors on Microbial Ecology and Sanitary Threat in the Final Stretch of the Brda River

Ecology of aquatic microorganisms depends on a number of environmental parameters. The additional influence of anthropogenic factors is connected with sanitary risk, particularly in urban areas. The study was aimed at assessing the impact of physicochemical and biological parameters on the abundance and activity of bacterioplankton under different spatio-temporal conditions in the urbanized section of the Brda River. The evaluation of sanitary pollution of water was accompanied by the assessment of antibiotic resistance of isolated faecal strains determined using the disk diffusion method. The results indicate that the location of sampling sites significantly affected by the distribution of faecal Escherichia coli and enterococci in the studied part of the river. On the other hand, there were no significant seasonal changes in respiratory activity or abundance of planktonic bacteria. In addition, the abundance of bacterioplankton was not correlated with all measured physico-chemical parameters, though it was correlated with the organic carbon oxidation rate. Depending on the sampling site, bacterial cells with damaged membranes constituted between 8% and 20% of the population. Antibiograms showed the absence of multi-drug resistant strains. Enterococci exhibited the highest resistance to imipenem (45%), while Escherichia coli, to cefoxitin (31%).

Fertility of Spiny-Cheek Crayfish (Orconectes limosus Raf.) from the Vistula Lagoon

The aim of this study was to examine fertility of spiny-cheek crayfish harvested in the first half of April from the Vistula Lagoon and to compare it with that of the crayfish from freshwater habitats. The sample consisted of 47 sexually mature females shortly before they were ready to lay eggs. After determining the absolute fertility (number of eggs per ovary), the relative fertility was calculated (number of eggs per 1 g of body weight). Absolute and relative fertility of spiny-cheek crayfish females with total body length 8.1–11.6 cm was 535 and 17 eggs, respectively. Absolute and relative fertility was correlated with total body length and weight. Along with the increase in these parameters, the absolute fertility increased and the relative fertility decreased. A comparison of absolute and relative fertility of spiny-cheek crayfish from the Vistula Lagoon with the representatives of this species from freshwater habitats such as the Brda River and the Lake Dgał Wielki, showed no significant differences.

The kettle-hole mire as archives of postglacial changes in biogenic sedimentation (Tuchola Forest, north-Central Poland)

Kettle holes are a circular-shape product of ice decay, and thus are strongly linked with young glacial landscapes. Once glaciation terminates, these holes transform either into wetland and lakes or occasionally into kettle-hole mires. Since an entire sediment sequence preserve in the kettle-holes, these provide an excellent settings to exploit any sensitive paleoenvironmental changes. Here, the kettle-hole mire located onto the Brda River outwash plain (Tuchola Forest) is explored towards a better understanding of local and global environmental trends in the Late Glacial – present day time frame. To fulfill this, multi-proxy study as geochemical, palynological and macrofossils analyses along with the radiocarbon dating are used. Therefore, this study allows to distinguish five phases of steep environmental gradients in the investigated mire, as follows: (1) paludification after glaciation, when dead-ice melted and long-term permafrost was degraded, (2) lake started to disappear in the Late Glacial, followed by a rich vegetation in the first part of the Holocene, (3) vegetation encroachment onto the lake in the first part of the Holocene, which consequently turned into an peat bog, (4) the late Holocene peat bog with a limited human influence, and finally (5) the peat bog with a major human impact along with acidification as related to sandy underlying sediments, leaching of calcium carbonate, recharge from precipitation and pine monoculture. As additionally apparent from this small ecosystem, both local (character of substrate sediments, morphology of the area, rate of permafrost melting, climate conditions and human activity) and regional (climate changes and human activity) are detectable. Nevertheless, the record of these changes is sometimes unclear.

Analysis of Displacements and Deformations of a Steel Footbridge

In in-service structural diagnostics, besides the monitoring of changes in physical properties of materials, it is essential to determine the dimensional stability of the structure as a whole. This is particularly important in the case of non-building structures exposed to variable and dynamic loading, such as overhead cranes, bridges, flyovers, telecommunications towers etc. Moreover, precise determination of the extent of deformation of structural elements allows for quick identification of any weak points or damaged areas which need to be further tested and assessed. The object of the analysis carried out in this article is a steel footbridge over the Brda River in Bydgoszcz. The main part of the structure stretching between the river banks comprises nine pin-jointed bridge decks suspended on pylons using steel cable stays. The jointed bridge decks make up the top slab. The structural design of the footbridge is simple and clear. The footbridge is rather susceptible to static loading and dynamic ambient excitations.The research involved displacement and strain gauge measurements of the footbridge subjected to a test load. The test loading was applied by moving a loaded hand truck along the centre line of the footbridge deck and stopping it at predefined locations on deck segments. Vertical displacements were measured for each load setting at selected specific points of the bridge and the strain of the cable stays was determined on the basis of the measured values of the displacement. Precise surveying technology was applied to measure the vertical displacement, enabling the location of control points with an accuracy of 0.25mm in three dimensions, whereas deformations and strains were determined using strain gauges. This article also includes an account of changes in the geometric features of the footbridge resulting from its long-term use. A simplified static load analysis of the load-bearing system of the footbridge was performed (2D model) with simulated test loads. The loads applied in the FEM model were equivalent to the load values determined through geodetic measurements. The developed model was then used to identify a displacement of control points. A comparison of the measurement results with the results of the numerical analysis revealed inconsistencies, both as regards vertical displacements of footbridge deck segments and cable stay strains. An attempt was made in the article to explain the differences.

Assessment of Siltation Processes of the Koronowski Reservoir in the Northern Polish Lowland Based on Bathymetry and Empirical Formulas

Artificial reservoirs have an important role in water management of river systems in terms of flood control, water supply and sediment budgeting. Therefore, it is important to maximize the time of their effective functioning. Sediment budgeting mainly depends on sediment transport dynamics. This article illustrates the impact of the Koronowski Reservoir on suspended sediments transported by the Brda River. The river system and the reservoir represent a typical lowland river environment. Our research is based on hydrological and sedimentological investigations on the reservoir and the river system. Field measurements were used to create the respective hydrological and sediment budgets. Moreover, we carried out bathymetric measurements to generate present day bathymetry and to calculate the reservoir’s capacity. We assessed the silting of the reservoir following the approaches proposed by Goncarov and Stonawski. We show that the size and dynamics of suspended sediments are mainly determined by the hydrological conditions. Moreover, we illustrate that the suspended sediment measurements made with the filtration method correlate with the nephelometric results. Generally, we show that the Koronowski Reservoir is mainly filled up by suspended sediments. We further illustrate that the level of siltation estimated with the empirical formulas deviates significantly from calculations made by bathymetric measurements.

Nalysis of Changes to Steel Footbridge Geometry Within 25 Years in Service

Abstract Identification of the technical condition of bridge structures should be supplemented by determination of structural displacements in relation to the adopted frame of reference and measurement of changes to the geometry of its individual elements. Of special value are the results of measurements of the same values obtained along an extended service life. They provide an opportunity to compare results, track down tendencies, and more quickly recognise signs of aggravating technical condition of structures. The paper presents an analysis of changes to the geometry of a bridge structure – a cable– stayed footbridge used for pedestrian and bicycle traffic across the Brda river in Bydgoszcz. Measurements were made by means of surveying techniques within a period of 25 years of the structure service life. The collected data enabled numerous comparative analyses to be conducted. Displacements of footbridge structural elements observed across time led to formulation of recommendations for further use of the footbridge. For instance, recommendations for footbridge adjustment, including improvement of its geometry, were provided. In addition, a general analysis of the effect of footbridge displacements on its static operation was conducted.

Preliminary estimation of groundwater recharge on Brda river outwash plain

Estimation of groundwater recharge is one of the most challenging subjects in hydrogeology. It is a critical factor influencing the pollution migration, assessment of aquifer vulnerability to contamination, small-scale groundwater budget calculation, modeling of nutrient cycling and detailed flow path calculations. In Poland an infiltration rate method is widely used, which depends on a system of rate coefficients referring to the type of soil in the vadose zone and shows which part of the precipitation actually reaches the water table. The paper presents results of numerical simulations of vertical flow in unsaturated zone of an experimental site located on Brda outwash plain. Two simulations for varying vegetative cover (pine forest and grass) were performed. The results were compared with five infiltration rates classifications.

Using the modified scalar product approach for testing the direction of seepage through the earth-fill dam in Pieczyska

Abstract Currently, the problems related to the development of seepage are emerging more and more frequently. For this reason, there is a constant need to improve the existing methods, and to develop new ones, for determining the direction and intensity of the development of seepage processes occurring in earth-fill dams and their foundations. The analysed earth-fill dam is located in Pieczyska in the Kujawy-Pomerania province at 49.115 km from the river mouth of the Brda River. The catchment area is 4.109 km2. The article aims to verify the non-invasive, non-subjective method for examining the direction of seepage through earth-fill dams using the modified scalar product approach, which allows to determine the direction and intensity of the seepage process. A proper analysis of this process can greatly reduce the repair costs (injections or other methods of sealing), and significantly increase the safety of the existing earth-fill dams. In the case of the dam in Pieczyska, in 2010–2015, the two piezometers (located on the left abutment of the dam and denoted as P15A and P60) exhibited a direct hydraulic connection with the upstream water level (the scalar product approach). For the study dam, the “source” piezometer (to which all the piezometers in its surrounding exhibited similar changes in water levels) turned out to be the piezometer P15A. This fact was confirmed both by the number of connections between the individual piezometers and the resulting system of equipotential lines for the dam.

Landslide susceptibility and risk assessment in a non-mountainous region – a case study of Koronowo, northern Poland

The study deals with landslide threats in a low-relief region which exemplifies an area rarely perceived as prone to such geohazards. Actually, in the gently undulated landscape in the vicinity of Koronowo at the Brda River (South Pomeranian Lake District, northern Poland) intensified landsliding was observed in the recent years. The field mapping and examination of air photos showed that endangered terrains are fairly extensive and cannot be limited to initially identified slope failure incidences (hot-spots). The devised landslide susceptibility and hazard map is an outcome of predictive modelling using empirical likelihood ratio function ( LR ) with respect to seven evidential layers: elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, flow accumulation, surface deposits, depth to glacial raft, land cover as well as the landslide scars. The values of potential losses were calculated based on the mapped land-use categories and current market prices of estates and services. The final map, which resulted from combining landslide hazard with potential losses, shows damage propensity in a spatial scale of the town surroundings. It is meant as a supportive tool for decision-making with regard to allocating funds for stabilization measures or planning placement of new investments. On this background, stabilization solutions for selected sites are assessed in a cost-benefit context.

The estimation of suspended sediment transport using nefelometric and traditional measurements of turbidity of water on an example of the cascade lower Brda River

The evaluation of the suspended sediment transport was conducted on artificial reservoir of cascade of lower Brda River, to compare methods: traditional (weight) and nephelometric (optical). The analysis was based on field research conducted below the Smukała Reservoir in the years 2014 - 2015. These included sample collection for determining the value of total suspension (traditional method) and nephelometric turbidity of water (laser method). Sampling was connected with the observations of water levels, for specifying the hydrological situation. The collected data were interpreted using basic statistical methods. Was found that the the Brda River is characterized by a low suspended sediments load. Observations turbidity of water was possible to determine temporary dynamics of suspended sediments and indicate the main source of the suspended material. Received in article data indicate that the compare methods are interchangeability.

Long-term changes in the dynamics and structure of cyanobacteria in Koronowo Reservoir

Abstract The Koronowo Reservoir (16.6 km2) is located in the lower reaches of the Brda River, in the Kujawy-Pomerania Province, 20 km from Bydgoszcz near the town of Koronowo, hence the name of the reservoir. The reservoir was built in the 1960s and started from damming the waters of the Brda River by a ca. 20 m high earth dam in the village of Pieczyska. This reservoir is used mainly for water retention and production of electric energy in the hydroelectric power station; in addition, it plays a significant recreational function. In terms of the latter function, the spread of cyanobacteria is a serious problem. The aim of the study was to assess longterm changes in the structure of cyanobacteria in waters of the Koronowo Reservoir. The results from 1996, 2008, 2011 and 2013 were compared. As evidenced by the analysis of the phytoplankton composition in the Koronowo Reservoir in terms of functional groups, especially the occurrence of dominant and subdominant species from the groups P, H1, S1, LM, J, G and W2, the waters of the reservoir can be classified as eutrophic, potentially evolving towards the hypertrophic conditions. The HPLC analysis of cyanobacterial toxins revealed the presence of microcystins at two sites of the water body. The species structure, the distribution and the dominance of specific species of cyanobacteria is recurrent over the 17 years; the following species form algal blooms: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (L.) Ralfs et Bornet et Flahault and Microcystis aeruginosa (Kütz.) Kützing.