The role of groundwater in the acidification of the hydrosphere - examples from small catchments inthe Bohemian Massif

Abstract

The aim of the presented study was to assess the impact of the groundwater on the degree of acidification of surface waters in small catchments. Quantitative hydrogeological analysis based on results of the SACRAMENTO hydrological model was aimed at the assessment of the contribution of baseflow respresenting the groundwater discharge in the total runoff. Comparison of singel PH measurements in surface water with the corresponding actual and modelled water discharge in the total runoff. Comparison of single pH measurements in surface water with the corresponding actual and modelled water discharge was used as the information in the quantitative part of the data processing. The obtained results showed different protective powers of the aquifers against acidification, a conspicuous decrease in the soil buffer capacity of the Krusne Hory Mts. and significant influence of throughfall presipitations on the groundwater quality.