Analysis of Spatial Distribution of Sediment Pollutants Accumulated in the Vicinity of a Small Hydropower Plant

Abstract

Hydropower plants affect the distribution and composition of sediments. The main aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of sediment pollution in the vicinity of a small hydropower plant. The grain composition of the sediments, the content of heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb, and Cd) and select physicochemical properties (pH, electrolytic conductivity) were tested at 14 points upstream and downstream of the hydropower plant on the Ślęza River in Poland, as well as at reference point. The interactions between the tested parameters were also verified. The results of the conducted analysis show that hydropower plants significantly affect the composition and properties of sediments. Large amounts of sediment are deposited on damming weirs, accumulating heavy metals and other substances. The differences in the concentrations of elements were significant, and Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn and Pb were 8.74, 9.53, 3.63, 8.26 and 6.33 times higher, respectively, than the median value at points upstream of the hydropower plant than downstream. It was shown that the tested parameters of the sediments interact with each other and are correlated; heavy metals showed a synergistic effect, while other parameters configurations showed an antagonistic effect. The higher content of heavy metals upstream of the hydropower plant resulted from the presence of finer sediment—classified as silt—in this section. Downstream of the hydropower plant, there were mainly sands, which showed a lower ability to absorb substances. This work contributes to improving the rational management of the worldwide issue of sediments within dams located in river valleys. Moreover, it is in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations, particularly in the fields of clean water and sanitation, clean and available energy, and responsible consumption and production.

Heavy Metals in River Sediments: Contamination, Toxicity, and Source Identification—A Case Study from Poland

“…In this study, HM concentrations and ecological risk were evaluated for 47 rivers located in Poland. Most previous studies were mainly related to the concentrations of rivers, lakes and reservoirs analyzed at the local and regional scale [ 15 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. There is a lack of systematic study in the literature considering the analysis of HM concentrations for rivers located in nearly the whole area of the country.…”

“…A special role in HM transport in aquatic systems is played by lakes [ 31 ] and reservoirs [ 32 ]. The presence of lakes, reservoirs, and hydraulic structures on the river course disrupts the transport of sediments, and thus, the transport of HMs [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”

Copper and cadmium content in Polish soil: Analysis of 25‐year monitoring study

“…Soil mineralization with aqua regia was performed in accordance with the international standard ISO‐11466: Soil quality–extraction of trace metals soluble in aqua regia (Siebielec, 2017; Tomczyk et al, 2021; Tomczyk, Gałka, et al, 2022; Tomczyk, Wiatkowski, et al, 2022). The organic matter (OM) content was calculated using the following equation (Maliszewska‐Kordybach et al, 2008): …”

Hydraulic and environmental impacts of small hydropower projects mitigation strategies and regulatory frameworks

“…The evaluation of hydraulic impacts focused on alterations in river flow dynamics, sediment transport, and alterations in aquatic habitats. Field measurements and modelling techniques were employed to assess changes in flow patterns and sedimentation caused by SHPs (Gałka B, 2021) [7] .…”