Changes in biodiversity in the River Vistula near Cracow in relation to pollution over 150 years

摘要

In spite of heavy contamination of the River Vistula near Cracow, it continues to support communities of algae, macroinvertebrates and fish. However, compared with conditions in the 19th century and even in the 1930s there has been a decrease in biodiversity, and existing communities are characteristic of strongly polluted rivers. In the last decade most phys- ical and chemical parameters indicate a gradual improvement of water quality, and this change has been reflected in the reconstruction of the primary flora and fauna. These observations suggest that this reach of the Vistula has retained the potential for self-purification.