Physical and chemical characteristics of a temporary lowland stream during dried-out period

Abstract

Physical and chemical variables have long been used for water quality, like EU WFD. They are also suitable for the characterization of temporary waters. Small watercourses are more sensitive to climate change and anthropogenic impacts, so they can also play a predictive role for larger watercourses in an area. Little is known about the characteristics of temporary watercourses in the dry period. In many cases, the water quality status of a watercourse deteriorates with anthropogenic loads. Tócó is a small watercourse, a typical lowland stream, which became temporary water. We found water in the riverbed only in connection with settlements. Sampling sites were generally characterized by low oxygen concentrations, and in many cases we found evidence of prolonged anaerobic conditions (e.g., reduced nitrogen forms with high concentrations of orthophosphate ion).