Trophic State and Recreational Value of Lake Mikołajskie

Lakes along with their surroundings are an attractive landscape component that play an important role in recreation and relaxation. In Poland, the Great Masurian Lakeland, visited by a million tourists every year, is considered to be the most attractive lake area. However, tourist pressure has several negative effects which cause degradation of the water environment. The aim of this study was to determine the trophic state of Lake Mikołajskie which is a hub for sailing and motorboating traffic. Values of the trophic status index were calculated from the content of total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and Secchi disc visibility, according to the data from the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. In summer, the concentration of total phosphorus was 0.019–0.042 mg dm⁻³ in 2013 and 0.022–0.055 mg dm⁻³ in 2014. The concentration of chlorophyll a was in the range of 8.3–45.0 μg dm⁻³ in 2013 and 8.9–22.0 μg dm⁻³ in 2014. The maximum visibility of Secchi disc reached 2.0 m (2013) and 1.8 m (2014). Based on the calculated, Lake Mikołajskie can be classified as a eutrophic lake. In order to protect lakes from degradation tourists should be educated about the rational use of surface waters and the surrounding catchment. However, it is not only the massive influx of tourists, but also the activity of residents (dictated by economic reasons) that contribute to the pollution of lakes. Therefore, the development of tourism and the economy of the whole region should be harmonious and balanced so that the natural resources can serve us and future generations for as long as possible.