Water ecosystems affected by human impact within the protected area of the Tatra National Park (Poland)

The subjects of the study were two high-mountain lakes, Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw pod Rysami, in the Tatra range of the Carpathian Mountains located within the protected area of the Tatra National Park. This paper presents results of the analytical study of the lake water composition and compares this with relevant data from earlier years. The impact of the following factors was distinguished and discussed: atmospheric deposition (dry and wet), migration of pollutants with runoff water supplying both reservoirs, tourism (hiking, climbing), and the influence of mountain hostels. The resistance and sensitivity of the lakes to human impact is described in terms of water quality changes and characteristics of the catchments and the region.