The changes of the Starogrodzkie Lakes and their basin in the light of palynological and physical-chemical analysis

Abstract

The article presents the results of a palynological study of sediments from the bottom of the Southern Starogrodzkie Lake, as well as, the study of physical-chemical properties of lake waters. lt identifies four stages of the lakes' evolution since their formation (ca. 2630+160 BP). lt illustrates the role of natural and anthropogenic conditions in the negative changes of the lakes. It highlights the changing function of the lakes in accordance to the degree of contamination and degradation.