Risk assessment of water quality in the vicinity of a large-scale farm specializing in laying hens

摘要

The aim of this paper was to analyse the direct impact of a large-scale farm on water ecosystems in the surrounding zone and to assess the extent of surface water degradation caused by the farm. The research was carried out in areas adjacent to a laying hen farm (Europe's largest producer of consumer eggs) which is located in the Polish village of Zylice (Wielkopolska province, Rawicz municipality). The study concerned some physical and chemical parameters of the farm's surrounding waters at selected monitoring points in several water bodies (rivers, ponds and reservoir). The research indicates that the large-scale poultry farm in Zylice negatively affected the quality of surface waters in its surroundings. The highest degree of physical and chemical degradation of waters was recorded in the watercourse closest to the farm.